Saudi toughens visa rules as Hajj nears
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has issued a warning to Hajj and Umrah service providers, imposing strict penalties for failing to report pilgrims who overstay their permitted duration in the Kingdom.
Companies and establishments serving these pilgrims must promptly notify authorities if any individual exceeds their authorized stay.
Financial penalties can reach up to SR100,000 or RO10,000 (approximately $26,600) and may be increased based on the number of violators reported.
This warning has been issued in light of preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, with authorities tightening oversight measures to manage crowd control and ensure order during these religious events.
Saudi Arabia has announced a new ban on multi-entry travel visas, directly impacting travelers from India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Jordan, and six other nations as the Hajj season approaches.
Effective February 1, 2025, visitors from these 14 countries will only be eligible for single-entry visas, marking a significant shift in Saudi Arabia's immigration policy.
The move aims to tighten visa regulations ahead of Hajj, preventing unauthorized pilgrimage travel and addressing concerns over visa misuse. This change affects those traveling for tourism, business, or family visits, requiring them to apply for a new visa each time they enter the country.
The timing of this policy shift is critical as the Hajj season approaches, and Saudi authorities emphasize that the move aims to prevent unauthorized pilgrimage travel and curb visa misuse.
The government has cited concerns that many visitors were using long-term visas to overstay or perform Hajj without proper authorization, leading to safety risks and overcrowding.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Omani pilgrims lauds flawless Haj
Pilgrims from Oman will return on Thursday after the successful completion of the final rituals of Haj 1446, according to the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. Before leaving the holy land, the pilgrims would do another 'Tawaf ' around the Holy Kaaba and hold special prayers for the suffering Palestinians. Tawaf is the ritual of circumambulation of Mecca, in which the pilgrims offer prayers to the Almighty. Pilgrims will be able to complete it according to the dates of their return home. This year, Oman sent 14,000 pilgrims to the holy city comprising 13,530 Omanis and 470 expats. "Our pilgrims who used the ministry portal for the same, will return in batches from Thursday after the final rituals," said a spokesperson from the ministry. He further said that the beautiful moments of love and brotherhood that several millions of believers from different parts of the world spent in the holy land for six days, regardless of their nationality or language, are an example to the world. The pilgrims, led by Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, and Head of the Omani Haj Mission, reached well before the actual rituals so that they could carry out the step-by-step procedures of Haj 1446. Following successful departure of pilgrims, entry restrictions to Mecca will be lifted from Wednesday. Umrah permits for foreigners will be issued from June 14. However, those within Saudi Arabia will be allowed from the 11th. Oman Haj Mission lauded Saudi Arabia for the flawless implementation of Haj. The Omani pilgrims have lauded the Saudi authorities, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah and its partners for immaculate organising of the Haj and for excellent crowd management. According to statistics, over 1.4 million international pilgrims representing more than 130 countries arrived at the holy sites this week and were transported safely and efficiently via over 20,000 buses and the Mashair Train network. 'This is one of the largest coordinated people-movements on Earth. Pilgrims were able to fulfil their rites in peace and without crowding — on their own schedule," he said. Saudi Arabia's mastery of crowd management is the result of decades of experience hosting the world's largest recurring religious gathering. Every Haj season builds on the last, with extensive simulations, audits, and post-event analysis feeding into a dynamic system of continuous improvement. The Kingdom's ability to harmonise massive movement with minimal disruption is not only a logistical achievement — it's a spiritual service. 'Everything felt so calm and organised,' said Fatima Ahmed, a first-time pilgrim. 'I was nervous before arriving in Saudi, but the way we were guided made it feel like the journey was being carried out for us.' The Kingdom's Haj operation is now studied globally as a model for managing mass gatherings — religious or otherwise. With its seamless fusion of technology, infrastructure, cultural empathy, and governance, the Kingdom has shown the world how to manage crowds with care, precision, and purpose.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
No restrictions on Indian travellers to Saudi Arabia; temporary visa curbs only for Hajj season
New Delhi : Reports about any bar on Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia are incorrect. The Saudi Government has not issued any notification on this matter, sources confirmed. As clarified by official sources, during the Hajj season, temporary restrictions on short-term visas are implemented to regulate the flow of pilgrims and avoid overcrowding- a standard measure that ends with the conclusion of Hajj. Meanwhile, reflecting on the success of the Hajj pilgrimage arrangements, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for the smooth and safe conduct of this year's pilgrimage, acknowledging the efforts that enabled millions to perform their rituals peacefully. He acknowledged the gracious care of the Saudi leadership and its institutions, attributing the success of the Hajj season to their commitment to providing a spiritually fulfilling and secure experience for all worshippers. Extending similar greetings, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also conveyed their congratulations to the Saudi monarch. In this context of international goodwill and regional cooperation, Indian pilgrims also participated in the sacred rituals, joining millions in performing Wuquf-e-Arafat, the spiritual climax of the Hajj, the Embassy of India in Riyadh shared on Thursday. Reinforcing this, the Indian Embassy wrote on X, "Indian pilgrims join millions of other pilgrims today at Arafat to perform Wuquf-e-Arafat, the core ritual of Haj." Sharing updates from the ground, Consul General Fahad Suri extended greetings in a video message and confirmed that all Indian pilgrims had arrived safely in Arafat, highlighting the coordinated efforts between the Indian Hajj Mission and Saudi authorities to ensure safe and smooth travel, stay, and onward movements of pilgrims. He appreciated the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and associated service providers for their tireless support and extended wishes for a blessed Eid-ul-Adha and a successful Hajj for all pilgrims. These developments reflect the strong India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations, grounded in centuries-old economic and cultural ties. The annual Hajj pilgrimage serves as a key aspect of this deep-rooted connection. Earlier this year, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia, the Indian side had expressed gratitude for the Kingdom's care towards the 2.7 million Indian nationals residing there, underlining the people-to-people bonds shared between the two nations. The Indian government also commended Saudi Arabia for the successful organisation of the 2024 Hajj and acknowledged the excellent bilateral coordination in facilitating Indian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
Omani pilgrims begin departing Makkah after completing Hajj Rituals
Muscat: Today, the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH, pilgrims began departing Makkah after completing the Hajj rituals in an atmosphere of security and tranquility, by the grace of God. They benefited from an integrated system of services provided by the relevant authorities, which enabled them to perform the fifth pillar of Islam with ease and peace of mind. Pilgrims who chose to hasten their departure left Makkah yesterday, the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, after performing the stoning of the three Jamarat (Small, Middle, and Large) on the second day of Tashreeq. They concluded their pilgrimage with the Farewell Tawaf — the final circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba. Around 14,000 pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman performed the Hajj rituals smoothly and comfortably, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Omani Hajj Mission's specialized delegations. The mission worked to meet the pilgrims' needs and provided a range of services to help them complete the Hajj successfully. The Omani Hajj Mission will continue offering its services until all Omani Hajj campaigns have departed the Holy Land.
