To ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has restricted entry to Makkah for all individuals holding visit visas during the upcoming Hajj season.
The Hajj season has begun and continues until June 21, 2024.
The ministry advised visiting visa holders to avoid travelling to Makkah without Hajj permission and warned them of penalties according to Saudi regulations.
Security and organizational measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of authorized pilgrims during Hajj rituals.
Saudi authorities are prepared for potentially record-breaking attendance after a surge in Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan.
Since May 9, Pakistani pilgrims have been arriving in Madinah as part of pre-Hajj flight operations.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as of Tuesday, 28,743 Pakistani pilgrims had arrived in Madinah through 120 flights. Around 2.5 million faithful worldwide, including 179,210 from Pakistan, will perform Hajj this year.
This year’s pilgrimage is expected from June 14-19.
In April, authorities revealed the expiry date for Umrah visas for foreign pilgrims.
The Saudi Gazette reported that the expiry date for Umrah visas was moved from Dhul Qadah 29 to Dhul Qadah 15. Foreign Umrah pilgrims must leave the country before Dhul Qadah 15. This move aims to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah for Hajj. The ministry clarified that the three-month Umrah visa is valid from the date of issuance, not the date of entry into the kingdom.
