Latest news with #non-Hajj
Saudi Gazette
30-04-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Mataf nearly empty as entry to Makkah restricted to Hajj visa holders
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The mataf (the white marble-paved circumambulating area around the Holy Kaaba) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah is witnessing a rare scene of nearly empty of pilgrims and worshipers on Tuesday, Dhul Qada 1, corresponding to April 29. Only a small number of foreign Hajj pilgrims who landed on Tuesday, the first day of the pilgrims' arrival, were seen performing their ritual of tawaf on the day, marking the beginning of the annual Hajj season and end of the Umrah season. Video footage showed a scene in the mataf as it was largely free from the usual crowding. This is caused mainly because of the enforcement of a ban on non-Hajj visa holders to stay in Makkah from April 29 until the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The Grand Mosque will witness a gradual increase in the number of foreign pilgrims over the coming days when pilgrims from several countries start flocking to the holy city undertaking their lifetime spiritual journey. The Saudi authorities have issued directives to impose ban on accommodation for non-Hajj visa holders in Makkah during the Hajj season 2025. The Ministry of Tourism has mandated that from April 29, until the end of the Hajj, all travel and tourist agencies and accommodation facilities in Makkah must not complete booking or check-in procedures for incoming or resident visa holders, except for those who hold a valid Hajj visa or an official permit for work or residency in Makkah during the Hajj season. One week ago, the Directorate of Public Security had imposed a ban for all expatriates, without an official permit, for entering Makkah effective from April 23. All these measures come as part of Saudi Arabia's preparations for the Hajj season. It has implemented a number of arrangements and measures aimed at preserving the safety of pilgrims and enabling them to perform the Hajj rituals in ease and comfort. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that Tuesday was the last day for the Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom. All visa holders, except those with Hajj visas, are prohibited from entering or remaining in Makkah. The ministry had already suspended the issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform for citizens and expatriates in the Kingdom, and holders of other visas, until Dhul Hijjah 14.
Saudi Gazette
30-04-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Mataf nearly empty after the ban for non-Hajj visa holders to stay in Makkah comes into effect
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The mataf (the white marble-paved circumambulating area around the Holy Kaaba) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah is witnessing a rare scene of nearly empty of pilgrims and worshipers on Tuesday, Dhul Qada 1, corresponding to April 29. Only a small number of foreign Hajj pilgrims who landed on Tuesday, the first day of the pilgrims' arrival, were seen performing their ritual of tawaf on the day, marking the beginning of the annual Hajj season and end of the Umrah season. Video footage showed a striking scene in the mataf as it was largely free from the usual crowding. This is caused mainly because of the enforcement of a ban on non-Hajj visa holders to stay in Makkah from April 29 until the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The Grand Mosque will witness a gradual increase in the number of foreign pilgrims over the coming days when pilgrims from several countries start flocking to the holy city undertaking their lifetime spiritual journey. The Saudi authorities have issued directives to impose ban on accommodation for non-Hajj visa holders in Makkah during the Hajj season 2025. The Ministry of Tourism has mandated that from April 29, until the end of the Hajj, all travel and tourist agencies and accommodation facilities in Makkah must not complete booking or check-in procedures for incoming or resident visa holders, except for those who hold a valid Hajj visa or an official permit for work or residency in Makkah during the Hajj season. One week ago, the Directorate of Public Security had imposed a ban for all expatriates, without an official permit, for entering Makkah effective from April 23. All these measures come as part of Saudi Arabia's preparations for the Hajj season. It has implemented a number of arrangements and measures aimed at preserving the safety of pilgrims and enabling them to perform the Hajj rituals in ease and comfort. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that Tuesday was the last day for the Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom. All visa holders, except those with Hajj visas, are prohibited from entering or remaining in Makkah. The ministry had already suspended the issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform for citizens and expatriates in the Kingdom, and holders of other visas, until Dhul Hijjah 14.
Gulf Insider
29-04-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Welcomes First Group Of Indian Pilgrims In Medina
The first group of Indian pilgrims arriving for Hajj 2025 was warmly welcomed at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina today as Saudi Arabia begins implementing a comprehensive logistical and service framework to accommodate millions of worshippers arriving for the annual pilgrimage. A total of 262 Indian pilgrims arriving from Hyderabad aboard Saudia Airlines were greeted with flowers, commemorative gifts, and an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. Senior officials were on hand to receive the group, including Dr Abdulaziz Wazzan, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Visit Affairs, and Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, alongside representatives of various government agencies. Airport procedures were completed smoothly and efficiently thanks to the integrated coordination between service agencies operating at the facility. This marks the beginning of the seasonal influx through Medina's airport. Saudi Arabia stressed that all operational plans have been activated to manage the growing number of pilgrims expected over the coming days. These plans include full-scale readiness in healthcare, logistics, guidance, and hospitality services, part of a broader national effort to ensure that pilgrims perform their religious rites with ease, safety, and dignity. Separately, the Ministry of Interior announced that beginning today, Tuesday, April 29 (1 Dhul Qi'dah), entry to the holy city of Mecca is prohibited for all non-Hajj visa holders. Authorities also warned visitors against penalties for overstaying visas. Individuals who remain in the Kingdom beyond the expiration of their entry permit may face fines of up to SAR 50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation.
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Zawya
Ban for non-Haj visa holders to stay in Makkah from April 29 until end of Haj season
RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism issued directives to impose ban on accommodation for non-Hajj visa holders in Makkah during the Hajj season 2025. The ministry has mandated that from April 29, until the end of the Hajj season, all travel and tourist agencies and accommodation facilities in Makkah must not complete booking or check-in procedures for incoming or resident visa holders, except for those who hold a valid Hajj visa or an official permit for work or residency in Makkah during the Hajj season. This measure aligns with the Ministry of Interior's announced arrangements to ensure pilgrim safety, requiring all other visa holders to leave Makkah starting Dhu Al-Qi'dah 1, corresponding to April 29. All tourist facilities and online booking platforms must fully comply with this mandate for the specified categories to support a safe and organized Hajj. The Ministry of Tourism also emphasized that all hospitality providers in Makkah and online platforms must comply with the Hajj 2025 regulations and cooperate with the authorities. It warned that non-compliance of the regulations will result in legal penalties for both establishments and individuals. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
24-04-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Ban for non-Hajj visa holders to stay in Makkah from April 29 until end of Hajj season
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism issued directives to impose ban on accommodation for non-Hajj visa holders in Makkah during the Hajj season 2025. The ministry has mandated that from April 29, until the end of the Hajj season, all travel and tourist agencies and accommodation facilities in Makkah must not complete booking or check-in procedures for incoming or resident visa holders, except for those who hold a valid Hajj visa or an official permit for work or residency in Makkah during the Hajj season. This measure aligns with the Ministry of Interior's announced arrangements to ensure pilgrim safety, requiring all other visa holders to leave Makkah starting Dhu Al-Qi'dah 1, corresponding to April 29. All tourist facilities and online booking platforms must fully comply with this mandate for the specified categories to support a safe and organized Hajj. The Ministry of Tourism also emphasized that all hospitality providers in Makkah and online platforms must comply with the Hajj 2025 regulations and cooperate with the authorities. It warned that non-compliance of the regulations will result in legal penalties for both establishments and individuals.
