Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Saudi Arabia's Public Security authorities have confirmed no type of visit visa permits their holders to perform Hajj.

They urged visitors to the Kingdom holding any type of visit visa not to travel to or remain in Makkah from Dhul Qada 15, corresponding to May 23, until Dhul-Hijjah 15, corresponding to June 21.

They pointed out that more than 20,000 visitors on various types of visit visas have had penalties applied to them under Hajj regulations and instructions, which prohibit their stay in Makkah.

The officials emphasized that violators would be subject to penalties according to the Kingdom's regulations, aiming to ensure the safety of authorized Hajj pilgrims while performing their rituals.

The decision is part of the security and organizational measures being taken by the Ministry of Interior to ensure the safety of the authorized pilgrims and facilitate them to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. The ministry announced recently that it will start imposing fines amounting to SR10,000 on violators, including Saudi citizens, expatriates and visitors if they were caught entering Makkah without a Hajj permit during the period from June 2 to June 20.