Ahead Of Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia Streamlines Visas, Boosts Social And Volunteer Services
As millions of Muslims around the world prepare to embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced it is fully prepared for the 2025 Hajj season, unveiling a wide range of initiatives and services to enhance the pilgrim experience in line with national directives.
The ministry said it has streamlined the process for issuing temporary work permits via the 'Ajeer' platform, aimed at facilitating seasonal employment during Hajj.
In parallel, Hajj and Umrah work visas are being made more accessible to businesses supporting the pilgrimage season, ensuring a stable workforce is available at key points across the holy sites.
As part of regulatory enforcement, the ministry plans to intensify inspection visits to monitor adherence to the Kingdom's Labor Law and accompanying regulations, ensuring proper working conditions for employees engaged during the peak pilgrimage period.
The ministry is also expanding its social services footprint at the holy sites. Pilgrims will have access to family counseling and various social support channels, including supervised children's hospitality centers operated by trained professionals.
Volunteerism will also play a key role this year. The ministry is encouraging and coordinating volunteer efforts in several areas, from welcoming pilgrims at border entry points to offering guidance and assistance within the Grand Mosque. Volunteers will support the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and distribute food and water throughout the pilgrimage zones.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
6 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Civil Defense Calls On Pilgrims To Familiarize With Emergency Exits Of Their Camps
Saudi Arabia People & Culture The General Directorate of Civil Defense has called on pilgrims to familiarize themselves with emergency exits at their accommodations at the holy sites during the Hajj 2025. The pilgrims were also instructed to follow safety rules and guidelines to protect lives and property. The directorate also urged all pilgrims to adhere to the safety guidelines and instructions announced through various media outlets and social media platforms, and to call the number 911 in the Makkah region in case of emergencies. 1 hour ago 9 hours ago 22 hours ago
Daily Tribune
10 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Hajj Security Committee Completes Distribution of Holy Sites Train Bracelets in Makkah
The Security Committee of the Kingdom of Bahrain's Hajj Mission has successfully completed the distribution of the Holy Sites Train bracelets to the representatives of licensed Bahraini Hajj campaigns. The distribution took place at the mission's headquarters in Makkah, marking a key step in facilitating the movement of pilgrims across the sacred sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina. Captain Ahmed Al-Ahmed, head of the Security Committee, confirmed that the bracelet distribution process followed meticulous procedures. The team ensured that the names of pilgrims matched the official lists and that the exact number of bracelets designated for each campaign was carefully verified before handover. This precision aims to prevent any logistical issues during the pilgrims' journeys through the holy sites. Al-Ahmed also praised the seamless cooperation of Bahraini Hajj campaign organizers, highlighting their commitment to providing all required information promptly. Their collaboration significantly contributed to the smooth and efficient completion of the bracelet distribution process. In a related effort, the Security Committee had earlier completed the installation of vehicle entry permits. These permits were affixed to the campaign vehicles designated for transporting pilgrims within the holy sites, ensuring regulated and secure access throughout the Hajj season. With these critical logistical preparations in place, the Bahraini Hajj Mission is set to provide its pilgrims with a safe and organized experience as they embark on their spiritual journey.
Daily Tribune
21 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Millions of pilgrims prepare as Hajj begins tomorrow
AFP | Paris The annual hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, will start tomorrow with well over one million Muslims from around the world expected to take part. All Muslims are expected to complete the hajj to Mecca -- from which non-Muslims are strictly banned -- at least once in their lives if they have the means to do so. Believers converge on the holy city for several days of rituals in which they retrace the Prophet Mohammed's last pilgrimage. Here is a rundown of the ceremo- nies at what is usually one of the largest religious gatherings in th e world: White garments Pilgrims must first enter a state of purity, called ihram, which requires special dress and behaviour. Men wear a seamless shroudlike white garment that emphasises unity among believers regardless of their social status or nationality. Women must wear loose dresses, also white, exposing only their faces and hands. Pilgrims are not allowed to argue, bicker or engage in sexual activity and are prohibited from wearing perfume, cutting their nails, or trimming their hair or beards. Rituals begin The first ritual requires walking seven times around the Kaaba, the large black cubic structure at the centre of Mecca's Grand Mosque. Made from granite and draped in a heavily embroidered cloth featuring verses of the Koran, the Kaaba stands nearly 15 metres (50 feet) tall. Muslims, no matter where they are in the world, turn towards the Kaaba to pray. The structure is believed to have been first erected by Adam, the first man, and then rebuilt successively, including by Abraham around 4,000 years ago. Pilgrims next walk seven times between the two hills of Safa and then move on to Mina, around five kilometres (three miles) away, ahead of the main rite of the pilgrimage at Mount Arafat. Mount Arafat The climax of the hajj is the gathering on Mount Arafat, about 10 kilometres (six miles) from Mina, where it is believed the Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon. Pilgrims assemble on the 70-metre (230-foot) high hill and its surrounding plain for hours of prayers and Koran recitals, staying there until the evening. After sunset they head to Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and Mina, where they each gather dozens of pebbles so they can perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil'. 'Stoning of the devil' The last major ritual of the hajj is back at Mina, where pilgrims throw seven stones at each of three concrete walls representing Satan. The ritual is an emulation of Abraham's stoning of the devil at the three spots where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying God's order to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. After the first stoning, the Eid al-Adha feast of sacrifice begins. Sheep are slaughtered, in reference to the lamb that God provided for sacrifice instead of Ishmael, in a ceremony held at the same time around the world. Men then shave their heads or trim their hair while women cut a fingertip-length portion of their locks. The pilgrims can then change back into normal clothing, returning to circumambulate the Kaaba and complete their stone-throwing rituals before heading home. Four other pillars The hajj is the last pillar of Islam. The other four are: profession of the faith, daily prayers, alms-giving and fasting from dawn to dusk during the holy month of Ramadan.
