Hajj Season
ISLAMABAD: In an effort to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has imposed restrictions on the entry of individuals holding visit visas to Makkah during the upcoming Hajj season. This move aims to maintain order and safeguard the wellbeing of those performing the Hajj rituals.
The Hajj season, commencing today and continuing until June 21, 2024, will see stringent measures enforced. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that visit visa holders are not permitted to perform Hajj, as their visas do not grant such permission.
The ministry has advised these individuals to avoid traveling to Makkah during this period without the appropriate Hajj authorization, warning of penalties in accordance with Saudi regulations.
These measures form part of a broader strategy to implement security and organizational protocols, ensuring the safety of authorized pilgrims during Hajj.
Saudi authorities are anticipating record-breaking attendance this year, following a significant increase in Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan.
As part of the pre-Hajj flight operations, Pakistani pilgrims began arriving in Madinah on May 9. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 28,743 Pakistani pilgrims have landed in Madinah through 120 flights as of Tuesday.
This year, approximately 2.5 million pilgrims from around the globe, including 179,210 from Pakistan, are expected to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. The main pilgrimage events are scheduled to take place from June 14 to 19.
In addition to the recent restrictions, Saudi authorities had previously announced changes regarding Umrah visas. In April, it was revealed that the expiry date for Umrah visas for foreign pilgrims had been adjusted.
The Saudi Gazette reported that the expiry date was moved up from Dhul Qadah 29 to Dhul Qadah 15. Consequently, foreign Umrah pilgrims must depart the country by Dhul Qadah 15.
This adjustment aims to facilitate a smooth influx of pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for Hajj. The ministry clarified that the validity of the three-month Umrah visa now begins from the date of issuance, rather than the date of entry into the kingdom.
The new policy stipulates that the Umrah visa remains valid for three months from the date of issuance, provided it does not extend beyond Dhul Qadah 15.
This change ensures better management of the large numbers of pilgrims expected during the Hajj season.
These measures reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing a secure and well-organized environment for the millions of faithful who gather to perform Hajj, one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar.
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