Saudi Arabia has announced new guidelines for Hajj pilgrims this year. All residential establishments in Makkah are now prohibited from providing accommodation to individuals who do not have a valid Hajj permit or permission to stay and work in the city during the upcoming Hajj season.
The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia issued this directive.
According to the ministry's statement, these guidelines will take effect from April 29 and remain in place until the conclusion of the Hajj season. The initiative is part of an inter-ministerial effort to ensure a safe and organized Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi law enforcement officers will regularly patrol residential areas in Makkah to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
From April 29, anyone entering Makkah without a valid Hajj visa or special permit will not be allowed to stay in the city. This policy applies to all visa holders except those with official Hajj permits or individuals authorized to work in Makkah.
Each year, millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, but not all of them enter the country legally. Some individuals attempt to enter without proper documentation and may try to stay permanently.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts to address undocumented immigrants, regularly conducting raids to apprehend those without the necessary papers. The Ministry has strongly emphasized that it is strictly prohibited to provide accommodation to individuals who are not in line with the official Hajj guidelines.
