Saudi Arabia Resolves Controversy: Visitor Visas Do Not Allow Performing Hajj

The Saudi Interior Ministry Clarifies That Visitor Visas Do Not Allow Performing Hajj

In the context of organizing the Hajj season, the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia clarified that visitor visas of all types and names, except for the "Hajj visa," do not permit the holder to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the regulations and instructions approved during the Hajj season.

Fines Up to 20,000 Riyals, Deportation, and a 10-Year Entry Ban

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the imposition of a financial fine of up to 20,000 Riyals on anyone attempting to perform Hajj or enter Mecca and the holy sites with a visitor visa or stay there during the prohibition period, along with additional measures including:

• Deporting violators among residents and overstayers to their countries
• Banning them from entering the Kingdom for 10 years

Defining the Period for Applying Penalties on Violators During the Hajj Season

The ministry clarified that these measures will be implemented starting from the first day of Dhul-Qi'dah until the end of the 14th day of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the period that witnesses strict organization for entering the city of Mecca and the holy sites to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims.

Emphasizing Compliance with Hajj Permits and Warning Against Violating Regulations

The relevant authorities stressed the necessity of obtaining an official permit to perform the Hajj rituals, confirming that any attempt to perform Hajj without a permit constitutes a clear violation of the regulations, exposing the perpetrators to the prescribed legal penalties.

The Ministry of Interior also called for cooperation with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the guests of Allah and achieve smooth organization during the Hajj season.

Reporting Numbers and Security Cooperation to Control Violators

The Ministry of Interior urged reporting any violations related to Hajj regulations via:

• The number 911 in the regions of Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province
• The number 999 in other regions of the Kingdom

It confirmed that this procedure aims to enhance field monitoring and ensure compliance with the regulations.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Emphasizes the Importance of Official Permits for Performing Rituals

For its part, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed the necessity for Hajj affairs offices and service providers to educate pilgrims about the need to obtain an official permit and follow the approved legal pathways for performing the pilgrimage.

The ministry confirmed that performing Hajj is strictly limited to those holding official permits issued by the relevant authorities, warning that any violation of these instructions will be met with strict legal actions, in the framework of maintaining the safety of the pilgrims and ensuring the quality of services provided to them.