Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has prohibited people holding visas from entering Makkah during the Hajj season. The ban would be valid from May 23 to June 21.
The current foreigners in the country are instructed not to travel to Makkah, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The ministry warned that individuals or current travellers would need Hajj permits to enter Makkah and perform Hajj, as visit visas would not help with the pilgrimage.
Umrah permits are not currently issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through the Nusuk app.
The Saudi government has warned people that violating rules would lead to punishments and heavy fines.
“Defying Haj regulations will result in severe and unwavering penalties. A fine of SR10,000 ($2,666) will be imposed on individuals caught in Makkah and the holy sites without a Haj permit, applicable to citizens, residents, and visitors,” the ministry said in a statement on social media platform X.
The statement also emphasised the double fine if there were repetitive offenders, and resident violators face deportation and a ban from entering the kingdom.
The permit is viable for areas such as the central Haram area, the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, and the Haramain train station in Russeifa.
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