Latest news with #Muqeem
Gulf Insider
24-04-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia: Expats Without Official Permits Now Banned From Entering Mecca
Saudi Arabia's Directorate of Public Security has announced that expatriates without official permits are now barred from entering Mecca. Only individuals with: A Mecca-issued residency or work permit (iqama) Or an official Hajj permitwill be allowed entry into the holy city. As part of Hajj 2025 preparations, security checkpoints at all entry points to Mecca will turn back any non-compliant individuals. The move is part of broader efforts to manage the flow of pilgrims and maintain public safety during the pilgrimage season. Permits for entry must be obtained through the official 'Absher', 'Muqeem', or 'Tasreeh' digital platforms. The Ministry of Interior emphasized that no visa types, other than an approved Hajj visa, will be accepted for entry into or residence in Mecca during this period. The ministry also warned that sponsors who fail to report overstaying expatriates could face up to six months in prison and fines of SR50,000.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia's new Hajj rule: No entry to Makkah for expats without permits
In a major move to streamline the Hajj pilgrimage and bolster crowd management efforts, Saudi Arabia has officially banned expatriates from entering the holy city of Makkah without a valid Hajj permit. The entry ban, which came into force on April 23, 2025, is being strictly enforced at all checkpoints leading into Makkah, according to announcements from the General Directorate of Public Security. The directive applies specifically to all expatriates residing in the Kingdom who do not possess official permission to perform Hajj. Saudi authorities have clarified that only individuals with a valid Hajj permit, a residency permit (iqama) issued in Makkah, or an official work permit allowing employment in Makkah will be allowed to enter the city during the pilgrimage period. This annual restriction isn't new, but the government is making a firmer push this year to ensure compliance using advanced digital systems and tighter monitoring. Officials have emphasized that the ban is intended to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage, ensure crowd safety, and manage essential services more efficiently during one of the world's largest religious gatherings. To facilitate compliance, Saudi Arabia has digitized the permit process. Hajj permits can now be obtained through platforms like Absher Individuals and Muqeem, which are connected to the unified digital Hajj permit system known as Tasreeh. This integration is designed to improve transparency and help authorities verify documentation in real time. Read more: 8 strangest-looking animals and places to spot them Crucially, the restrictions on entrance are just the beginning. Saudi Arabia will further tighten the regulations on April 29, 2025. Regardless of residency status, only those with Hajj visas will be permitted entry or stay in Makkah beyond that day. This action demonstrates the Kingdom's overarching plan to stop illegal entry and maintain the integrity of the pilgrimage experience. Non-compliance comes with serious consequences. Expatriates found entering Makkah without a permit may face hefty fines, detention, deportation, or a combination of these penalties. Authorities have already deployed teams at various checkpoints and deployed surveillance to detect violators. Read more: 85-min shortcut: Kathmandu to Kolkata in record time; find all details here As Hajj 2025 draws closer, the message from the Saudi government is clear: plan ahead, follow the rules, and secure the necessary permits. The pilgrimage is a spiritual journey, but also a logistical challenge—and Saudi Arabia is determined to ensure it runs smoothly and safely for all.
Gulf Insider
23-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Spells Out Health Rules For Hajj Workers
Authorities in the Saudi holy city of Mecca have announced steps for workers engaged in this year's Hajj pilgrimage season to obtain related health certificates and the validity duration of the mandatory document. The Mecca Municipality has directed those workers to apply for the seasonal health certificates for the Hajj online via the Balady platform using the link: The applicants are required to undergo obligatory medical tests at accredited labour testing centres, and pass a health education course. These courses cover three main areas, namely food safety, shaving, and public health. The seasonal health certificate expires on the 15th of the Islamic lunar month of Al Muharram, corresponding to July 10. The municipality has urged all such workers to complete the requirements on time to ensure their participation in the upcoming Hajj season. In mid-April, Saudi authorities started issuing online permits for residents, who will be engaged in the works linked to the Hajj season. The Saudi General Directorate of Passports said it has begun receiving applications from such workers to obtain entry permits to Mecca through the Ministry of Interior's electronic platform 'Absher' and the 'Muqeem' portal. The applicants do not need to visit the offices of the passport departments to get the permits. The directorate cited technical integration with a unified digital platform for issuing Hajj permits dubbed the 'Tasareeh platform'. Entry permits to Mecca are issued through the Muqeem portal to workers in establishments based in the city, holders of seasonal work visas, and those who have employment contracts with those establishments during the Hajj season. As of April 29, holders of all types of visas, except those holding a Hajj visa, will not be allowed to enter or remain in Mecca.
Saudi Gazette
23-04-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Expatriates, without an official permit, banned from entering Makkah
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Directorate of Public Security has announced that expatriates, without an official permit, are banned from entering Makkah, effective from Wednesday, April 23. The directorate stated that those residents who hold one of the following documents will be exempted from this ban: a work permit or a residency permit (iqama) issued in Makkah, or a Hajj permit. Expatriates without the required permits will be turned back from the security checkpoints at the entry points of Makkah. The enforcement of this regulation aims to regulate access to Makkah during the Hajj season and ensure smooth movement and security for pilgrims. Permits for entering Makkah during the Hajj season are issued electronically through the 'Absher Individuals' platform and the 'Muqeem' portal, in coordination with the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, 'Tasreeh.' The Ministry of Interior also renewed its warning that it is prohibited to enter or stay in the city of Makkah for holders of all types of visas, with the exception of those arriving with a Hajj visa, starting next Tuesday, April 29.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Zawya
Entry into Makkah to require official permit for residents starting April 23
MAKKAH — Saudi Arabia's Public Security Directorate has announced the start of enforcement of Hajj 1446 entry regulations, requiring all residents seeking to enter the holy city of Makkah to obtain official permits from the relevant authorities starting Wednesday, 25 Shawwal 1446 (April 23, 2025). According to the directive, residents without the required permits will be turned back at the security checkpoints leading into Makkah. The enforcement aims to regulate access to the Holy Capital during the Hajj season and ensure smooth movement and security for pilgrims. Public Security emphasized that vehicles and residents not holding a valid entry permit — whether for work in the holy sites issued by the competent authority, a residence permit registered in Makkah, or an official Hajj permit — will be denied entry and redirected to their point of origin. Entry permits for Makkah during the Hajj season are issued electronically through the 'Absher Individuals' platform and the 'Muqeem' portal, in coordination with the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, 'Tasreeh.' © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
