RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has issued a stern directive ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, instructing all foreign nationals, except those holding Hajj visas, to leave the holy city of Makkah by April 18th. Those found in violation of the order will face hefty fines and possible imprisonment.
As per the announcement, only people who have Hajj visas will be allowed to stay in Makkah after April 28th. Other people who have Umrah visas, visit permits, or other kinds of permits will be asked to leave the city before April 18th.
In case of any violation of the order, strict actions would be taken against violators, such as imposition of heavy fines and imprisonment.
Moreover, foreigners residing in Saudi Arabia will not be allowed to enter Makkah after April 13th without carrying any permit. These measures have been taken to ensure that all the arrangements for Hajj are made efficiently and easily for pilgrims.
Moreover, foreigners residing in Saudi Arabia will not be allowed to enter Makkah after April 13th without carrying any permit. These measures have been taken to ensure that all the arrangements for Hajj are made efficiently and easily for pilgrims.
Govt announces major relief for Hajj Pilgrims
Earlier, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced major relief for the convenience of Hajj pilgrims, under which all necessary matters will now be completed in a single day.
According to this new decision, all stages including training, vaccination and provision of travel documents in 10 Hajj camps across the country will be completed under one roof so that pilgrims can save time and travel expenses.
A total of 119,000 pilgrims will benefit from this initiative and they will not have to visit offices repeatedly.
The second phase of the Hajj operation is officially starting from Wednesday, in which the Hajj camps of Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, Sukkur and Rahim Yar Khan will remain active.
According to Umar Butt, spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, pilgrims will be provided with visas, air tickets, identity locks and luggage tags, as well as the facility to pack medicines, while the schedule has been released on the Pak Hajj app.
The ministry has instructed pilgrims to bring their original identity cards and bank receipts upon arrival at the camps, while special bank counters have also been set up in the camps for currency exchange.
