Saudi Arabia has officially begun preparations for the upcoming Hajj season. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, entry into the holy city of Makkah will require a special permit starting from April 23. This step is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to regulate the flow of pilgrims and ensure a smooth Hajj experience.
Ministry has also instructed that all foreign nationals currently in Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas must leave the country by April 29. Staying beyond this date will be considered a violation of visa regulations.
Starting April 23, foreign residents living in different parts of Saudi Arabia will also need to obtain a permit to enter Makkah. Those attempting to travel to the city without the required permit will be stopped and turned back at checkpoints, including the Al-Shumaisi checkpoint. However, individuals whose residence permits (Iqamas) were issued from Makkah are exempt from this requirement.
Foreign workers who need to travel to Makkah or the holy sites for job-related reasons must obtain permits through the “Absher” or “Muqeem” portals, depending on the nature of their work. Additionally, the issuance of Umrah permits through the “Nusuk” portal will be temporarily suspended from April 29 to June 10 for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other foreigners residing in the Kingdom on different visa categories.
These measures aim to ensure better organization and crowd management during the Hajj season.
