Saudi Arabia has announced that all visit visa holders will be barred from performing Hajj, as authorities tighten regulations ahead of the annual pilgrimage season.
The Ministry of Interior said that only individuals holding an official Hajj permit will be allowed to enter Mecca and the holy sites during the pilgrimage period, which runs from the start of Dhu Al Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah.
Officials warned that any attempt to enter or remain in the holy areas without proper authorization will be considered a violation of the law. Visit visa holders attempting to perform Hajj face fines of up to SR20,000, while residents and overstayers may face deportation and a 10-year re-entry ban.
The measures also coincide with strict enforcement of deadlines for Umrah pilgrims, with authorities confirming that April 18 marked the final date for Umrah visitors to exit the Kingdom.
Additionally, Saudi authorities have suspended the issuance of Umrah permits during the Hajj season, effectively limiting access to Mecca to authorised pilgrims only. The move is part of a broader plan aimed at ensuring crowd control, safety, and the smooth conduct of one of the world’s largest annual gatherings.
Authorities have urged the public to comply with the regulations, stressing that performing Hajj without a permit constitutes a clear violation.
Source : Gulf News
