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May 25 , 2024
Visit Visa Holders Barred from Entering Makkah during Hajj Season
Islamabad: The Saudi Ministry of Interior has imposed restrictions on all individuals holding visit visas to enter Makkah during the forthcoming Hajj season, from May 23 to June 21, 2024.
The ministry, in a statement issued on Thursday, said that visit visa holders do not have permission to perform Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The ministry has advised visit visa holders without permission for Hajj to avoid traveling to Makkah during this period to avoid penalties according to Saudi regulations.
Security and organizational measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of authorized pilgrims during the Hajj rituals, it added.
Earlier, Saudi's Fatwa Council had also banned performing Hajj without a permit, in order to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims. Saudi residents are also required to show permits to enter Makkah since May 4.
Earlier, pilgrims were given a 'mandatory' advisory to always carry their identification cards during the 'Hajj period'.
Authorities in the country have already begun implementing security and organizational plans ahead of Hajj, which aims to preserve the safety of guests so that they can securely perform their rituals.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan had unveiled plans to facilitate the departure of pilgrims from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia with flight operations spanning May 9 to June 9.
On the first day, a total of 2,160 pilgrims are due to commence their spiritual journey, availing themselves of 11 designated flights.
From May 24 to June 9, the flights will shift to Jeddah Airport, facilitating onward journeys to the sacred sites.
The commencement day will witness 680 pilgrims departing from Islamabad across three flights, alongside 330 pilgrims from Karachi on two flights. - APP
Courtesy APP
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