RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced that individuals entering Saudi Arabia on visit visas will not be allowed to perform Hajj, reiterating that a valid Hajj permit is mandatory.
In an official statement, authorities made it clear that no person arriving on a visit visa will be eligible to undertake the pilgrimage. Officials emphasized that obtaining a formal Hajj permit remains a strict requirement for all pilgrims.
It is compulsory for pilgrims to obtain Hajj permit and follow the prescribed procedure and guidelines for the same. All pilgrims are advised to follow the rules and regulations issued for Hajj pilgrimage and any deviation from these would lead to severe penalties against the concerned individuals.
Pilgrims are also advised to report any illegal activity to the security forces in order to ensure proper maintenance of order during this huge religious event.
Saudi Arabia restores previous hajj policy for children
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reversed its recent policy regarding underage pilgrims and reinstated the previous guidelines, allowing children over 12 years of age to perform Hajj.
Under the revised decision, the earlier restriction on children under 15 has been lifted, permitting younger pilgrims to accompany their families on the pilgrimage.
Officials have stated that updated directives have been issued in light of this change. As a result, visa applications that were previously rejected due to age limitations will now be reconsidered and reprocessed.
Authorities have also instructed that all applications affected by the new age criteria be resubmitted promptly to ensure expedited processing, allowing eligible children to participate in Hajj with their families.
The arrival of Hajj pilgrims from around the world continues, with over 20,000 already in Medina, including a significant number from Pakistan.
Many pilgrims who have arrived at Medina have already left for Mecca as they perform the rites of Tawaf and Umrah. According to Saudi reports, Arafat Day, the most important day of Hajj, will fall on May 26, 2026.
The Saudi weather department has predicted that there will be hot weather conditions during Hajj, and the temperature will go up to 40 to 42 degrees Celsius. It has been recommended by the health department to use umbrellas and keep water spray bottles to remain hydrated.
In view of precautions, pilgrims are asked to get vaccines for dengue, influenza, and polio as part of health precautions.
