Hajj is one of the most revered and significant Islamic journeys that people from all over the globe undertake. As more than two million people visit the Kaaba each year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has dynamized its rules and regulations in order to provide peace, safety, and continuity of devotion. This season, new entry requirements, permits, and penalties have been set, and it will be important for every intending pilgrim to know.
If it’s your first time or you are coming around to the journey, below are all the new regulations you should be concerned with.
Restricted Entry Into Mecca
Beginning from 25th Shawwal 1446H, which is in late April on the Gregorian calendar, the Kingdom adopted critical measures when it came to the entry into Mecca. In this case, only individuals with proper documentation will be permitted to gain entry into these premises.
- Hajj permit is legal through official means
- Registration of residency in Mecca for residency identification
- Employment permits are required to be obtained before engaging in any employment activity during the Hajj
Those without any of the above will be barred from accessing the said security and will have to be stopped from accessing the holy city. The rationale is obvious: avoid overcrowding and ensure order and the arrangement of crowd control during the pilgrimage.
How to Apply for Permits
Permits are no longer limited to traditional papers and issues. All procedures are implemented and are accessible through the Ministry of Interior’s official channels:
- Absher Individuals
- Muqeem
- Tasreeh (Unified Permit System)
Even if you are working during Hajj, you don’t have to go for the application to the physical office of the passport. For pilgrims, it is slightly different, but the process is just as simple as described above.
For that reason, any permit related to the hajj has to be sought through the Nusuk platform only. This platform is associated with Tasreeh, which is the only way to obtain and get a legal permit for the hajj. Never use any tourist, visit, or Umrah visa because none of these visas allows tourists to perform Hajj.
Overstaying a Visa? Here’s What Happens
Pilgrims on Umrah visa must leave the Kingdom by 1 Dhul-Qi’dah 1446 AH. Staying beyond this date is unlawful to some extent or the other. Offenders may face:
- Deportation
- Detention
- Hefty fines
- Restriction of entry and re-entry to the Kingdom
The authorities have been enforcing these rules to the highest level to preserve the sacredness and management of the pilgrimage.
Beware of Fake Hajj Campaigns
Sadly, all seasons have their fair share of scams, and in the recent past, social media campaigns have not been left behind either. The ones that are most common contain unauthorised accommodation, transportation, or hackneyed entry to shrines.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called on all residents and citizens to be cautious. People are encouraged to report such a campaign or the operator by calling the emergency hotlines or approaching local security departments. Hence, one should be cautious and avoid using the services of agents other than those who have been accredited and those that deal directly with government agencies.
Vaccination Is Mandatory
To ensure the health and well-being of all pilgrims, proof of vaccination is now required when registering for a Hajj package.
The meningitis vaccine is mandatory for both domestic and international pilgrims. Without valid proof of immunization, your registration may be declined—so make sure your vaccination status is updated before applying.
Family-Friendly Hajj Accommodation
One of the most thoughtful changes this year comes from the Ministry for Religious Affairs. They’ve introduced a new strategy that ensures families are housed together during the Hajj journey. This move is designed to reduce stress and create a more comfortable and cohesive experience for pilgrims traveling with loved ones.
Whether you’re going with your spouse, parents, or children, the new system is aimed at keeping your family close throughout the entire spiritual journey.
Final Thoughts
Hajj is a spiritual commitment unlike any other, and proper preparation is key to making the most of it. With these new rules in place, it’s more important than ever to be informed, organized, and cautious of misinformation.