Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has announced that holders of all types of visit visas will not be allowed to enter or reside in Makkah for one month, starting from Thursday.
In a report by Gulf News, this move is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season.
The ministry clarified that visit visas do not serve as a permit for the Hajj pilgrimage, and warned holders of such visas not to attempt to enter Makkah during the announced duration. Violators will face penalties, including fines and deportation.
The Saudi government has implemented strict security and operational plans to ensure the safety of eligible pilgrims during the Hajj rites, which is one of Islam's five obligatory duties. Muslims who can physically and financially afford it must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
Starting from June 2, penalties will be enforced against Muslims caught trying to illegally perform Hajj in and around Makkah. Violators will face a fine of SR10,000, which will double on repetition. Expatriates who violate Hajj regulations will also be deported and barred from re-entering the kingdom.
Additionally, individuals caught transporting violators of Hajj-related instructions and illegal pilgrims will face up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of SR50,000.
If the offender is an expatriate, they will be deported from the kingdom after serving their term.
