Saudi warns of deporting illegal pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has warned of tough action against illegal pilgrims, including immediate deportation, through a drive named "No Haj Without Permission", Xinhua reported.

This was highlighted at a press conference by the country's Haj security forces which revealed security plans, including deployment of forces in all lanes leading to Mecca to check the identities of pilgrims and their permissions.

Seventy police patrols have been assigned to chase and arrest illegal pilgrims, said the head of a security center, Colonel Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Obaid.

Saudi Arabia is expected to received fewer pilgrims this year with its decision to reduce the number of foreign pilgrims by 20 percent and domestic pilgrims by 50 percent because of expansion works at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.