Saudi Arabia has officially launched the Hajj season, introducing stringent entry restrictions into the holy city of Makkah from Wednesday, April 23, in a bid to ensure the smooth management of the annual pilgrimage.
According to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), entry into Makkah has been barred for all individuals not possessing valid documentation.
The new directive comes under the Ministry of Interior’s latest initiative, which mandates pilgrims and residents alike to obtain official Makkah entry permits through the newly launched “Tasreeh Portal” on the Absher and Muqeem platforms.
As per the regulation, entry will only be permitted to those holding one of the following: a valid work permit specifically for Makkah, a residency permit (Iqama) issued in the city, or an official Hajj permit.
Authorities confirmed that all entry points into the city are being monitored, with security checkpoints set up to enforce the directive. "Anyone attempting to enter without the required permits will be turned away," the Ministry of Interior warned.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj has issued a separate advisory targeting foreign nationals who have arrived in the Kingdom on Umrah visas. The ministry reiterated that performing Hajj on an Umrah visa is strictly prohibited and called upon pilgrims to return to their countries before their visas expire.
“These measures are in place to regulate the flow of pilgrims and maintain order during the peak Hajj season,” the ministry said, adding that violators may face penalties or deportation.
The directives are part of broader efforts by the Saudi government to enforce compliance with Hajj protocols amid growing logistical demands tied to the annual influx of pilgrims.
The announcement comes amid concerns over administrative lapses that have reportedly affected thousands of pilgrims. A recent report revealed that around 67,000 Pakistani applicants may miss the opportunity to perform Hajj in 2025 due to official negligence, prompting calls for an inquiry and the possibility of refunds.
As the Kingdom gears up for one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, authorities have urged both local and foreign pilgrims to adhere strictly to the updated rules and obtain the necessary permissions well in advance.
