3 days ago
Strict Saudi Visa Strategy Effective, Pilgrim Movement Orderly
By Massita Ahmad
MAKKAH, June 5 (Bernama) -- The strict visa control strategy enforced by the Saudi Arabian government for this year's Hajj season has proven highly effective, ensuring that only authorised pilgrims are permitted to perform the pilgrimage.
Media Facilitator and Head of the Malaysian Hajj Media Delegation 2025, Datuk Izelan Basar, said his personal observations revealed a stark improvement compared to previous years, particularly in the management of pilgrims en route to Arafah.
bootstrap slideshow
An estimated 1.8 million Muslims from around the world are performing Hajj this year, with the majority already gathered in Arafah for the wukuf ritual on Thursday (June 5).
"From a personal perspective, I saw a significant difference. In the past, we would come to Arafah and see people walking along the roadside, some sleeping or lying down.
"But this year, with the excellent strategy and formula implemented by the Saudi government, I didn't see anyone walking. Every pilgrim is required to travel by bus, and if they don't, they will be detained," he told Malaysian media here.
According to Izelan, such detentions typically involved individuals who did not possess valid Hajj visas, adding that these firm measures are part of Saudi Arabia's nationwide awareness campaign, "No Hajj Without a Permit."
For the first time, the Saudi Civil Defence has also deployed an AI-powered drone, "Saqr" (Falcon), to detect and intercept unauthorised pilgrims, reinforcing the "No Hajj Without a Permit" campaign.
"I see this system as a major advantage. Pilgrim movements are now neat, clean, well-organised, and easily planned. Unlike in past years, where some attempted to sneak in without a visa, everything this year appears orderly and controlled," he said.
