Saudi Arabia Bans All Visit Visas From Hajj As It Receives The First Batches Of Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia recently introduced strict measures before the Hajj season began. It mentioned how it was important to have a permit in order to perform a pilgrimage. And as the authorities receive the first batches of pilgrims, they have already intensified their efforts to regulate access to Mecca and pilgrimage sites. And now all other visit visas, regardless of their type, cannot perform pilgrimage until they have the permit to do so.

Saudi Arabia Bans All Visit Visas From Hajj

The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has announced that those who hold an official permit will only be allowed to Mecca and the holy sites. This is during the pilgrimage period, which is from the beginning of Dhu Al Qi’dah till the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah. As revealed in a report of the Gulf News, anyone who tries to enter or remain in the area without having prior authorisation during this time will be considered as someone violating the law.

Hajj Season Begins In Saudi Arabia

There are even substantial penalties for people who fail to abide by the rules. Visit visa holders who attempt to perform Hajj or enter Mecca and the holy sites can face a fine of up to SAR20,000. In case residents and those who overstay are found performing without a permit will be deported. Not to mention, they will be banned from re-entering the kingdom for 10 years. As it happens, Saudi authorities even announced the suspension of Umrah permit issuance through the Nusuk Platform for all categories. Yes, this included citizens, residents, and GCC nationals from the start of Dhu Al Qi’dah till the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah.

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Pilgrims Start Arriving

It should be noted that these measures are a part of the operational plans by the Ministry of Interior, which aims to ensure the safety, security, and smooth movement of the pilgrims. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has started to receive the first batches of pilgrims. These pilgrims arrived from several countries in Madinah and Jeddah. Marking the start of the international arrivals for this year’s program, most of the pilgrims arrived at Prince Mohammed Abdulaziz International Airport, which is in Madinah, on Saturday, April 18th. Some groups of pilgrims landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and they received a warm welcome at the airport.

With the pilgrimage season already underway in Saudi Arabia, it is important that one follows all the rules and regulations so that the pilgrimage can be performed with utmost ease.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Zurijeta (Cover image is for representational purposes only)