The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has announced that it will temporarily stop issuing Umrah permits through the Nusuk application for a period of one month, starting from May 23. This decision is aimed at facilitating the arrival of Hajj pilgrims from around the world in Makkah and allowing them to perform their rituals with ease and comfort. The Nusuk App will resume issuing Umrah visas starting from June 21. In conjunction with this announcement, the Ministry of Interior has also stated that individuals holding visit visas will not be permitted to enter or stay in Makkah during this period.
It is important to note that visit visas of all types will not be considered as permits for individuals to perform Hajj. The Ministry of Interior has urged those holding visit visas not to travel to Makkah or stay there during the specified period. Violators will face penalties in accordance with the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Interior recently announced that fines amounting to SR10,000 will be imposed on violators, including Saudi citizens, expatriates, and visitors, who are caught entering Makkah without a Hajj permit from June 2 to June 20.
The penalties will apply to individuals caught without a Hajj permit in various locations within Makkah, including the Central Haram Area, the Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, the Haramain train station in Rusayfah, security control centers, pilgrims’ grouping centers, and temporary security control centers. Repeat violators will face increased fines of up to SR100,000. Expatriates among the violators will be deported and banned from reentering the Kingdom according to the law.
The Ministry of Interior has also outlined penalties for transporting violators of Hajj regulations and instructions. Anyone caught transporting violators can face imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to SR50,000. The vehicle used for transportation may be confiscated through a judicial ruling, and expatriate transporters will be deported and banned from reentering the Kingdom. Fines will be increased based on the number of violators transported.
In light of these measures, it is crucial for individuals holding visit visas and planning to travel to Makkah during the specified period to abide by the regulations set forth by the Ministry of Interior. Violations of these regulations will result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, deportation, and bans from reentering the Kingdom. The implementation of these measures aims to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of Hajj pilgrimage rituals and to maintain the sanctity of the holy sites in Makkah.
