Latest news with #Hajj-related
Gulf Insider
11-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Warns Pilgrims: Leave Before Hajj Visa Expires Or Face Penalties
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called on all pilgrims to leave the Kingdom before the expiration of their Hajj visas, highlighting the importance of respecting regulations and avoiding legal consequences associated with overstaying. In an official statement, the ministry said that timely departure is not only a legal obligation but also a respect for the Kingdom's regulations and the annual pilgrimage season. 'Abiding by the designated departure period preserves the integrity of Hajj procedures and ensures ongoing facilitation for all guests of God,' the ministry said. The ministry further stressed that pilgrims must comply with all relevant laws, use their visas strictly for the purposes of Hajj, and avoid any involvement with unlicensed agents or activities beyond the permitted period. Failure to comply could result in legal penalties or future travel restrictions. Government authorities have launched an extensive departure operation, with the General Directorate of Passports deploying staff and advanced technologies across all international air, land, and sea exit points. 'We have mobilized personnel and security systems to ensure an efficient and orderly exit process for pilgrims,' the directorate said. In the Medina Region, local authorities have started farewelling pilgrims departing via Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Many are spending time in the city after Hajj to visit the Prophet's Mosque before returning home. To streamline the process, a dedicated program coordinates transfers from residences to the airport, overseen by the regional Hajj and Visit Committee. The airport saw significant traffic during the pre-Hajj phase, welcoming 719,400 pilgrims, nearly half of all air-arriving Hajj pilgrims this year on 1,910 flights from 196 cities across 53 countries. That figure represented 60 percent of all Hajj-related flights arriving at Saudi airports this season.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims to leave before Hajj visa expiry; warns of legal action for overstay
Saudi Arabia 's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a clear reminder to all pilgrims to exit the Kingdom before their Hajj visas expire. The ministry emphasised that leaving on time is not only a legal requirement but also a gesture of respect for the Kingdom's rules and the sacred nature of the pilgrimage. In an official statement, the ministry said, 'Abiding by the designated departure period preserves the integrity of Hajj procedures and ensures ongoing facilitation for all guests of God.' Authorities have warned that failure to depart before the visa's expiration can lead to legal penalties and possible travel restrictions in the future. The ministry reiterated that Hajj visas are strictly for pilgrimage purposes. Pilgrims must not engage in unauthorized activities or work, and must avoid unlicensed agents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Side Sleepers With Neck Pain: Try This "Pillow Trick" Tonight Sleep Digest Publication Learn More Undo To manage the exit process, the General Directorate of Passports has launched a wide-scale departure operation. This includes deploying personnel and advanced technology across all international air, land, and sea exit points. 'We have mobilized personnel and security systems to ensure an efficient and orderly exit process for pilgrims,' the directorate said in an official statement. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) In Medina, local authorities have started assisting departing pilgrims at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Many pilgrims stay in the city post-Hajj to visit the Prophet's Mosque before heading home. A dedicated transport program is facilitating smooth transfers from residences to the airport, coordinated by the regional Hajj and Visit Committee. Live Events RECOMMENDED STORIES FOR YOU Saudi Arabia reopens Umrah visas from June 10 after concluding Hajj season Saudi Arabia imposes no travel ban on Indians; Temporary restrictions linked to Hajj season: Sources Saudi Arabia prepares for 'worst case scenario' as extreme heat looms over Hajj 2025 This year, the Medina airport played a key role in the Hajj season, welcoming 719,400 pilgrims on 1,910 flights from 196 cities across 53 countries, accounting for 60% of all Hajj-related air traffic in Saudi Arabia. Authorities continue to remind visitors that Hajj regulations are strictly enforced to ensure the safety, order, and spiritual focus of the pilgrimage.
India.com
02-06-2025
- India.com
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia denies permission to 269678 Muslims from entering Mecca, imposes penalties on..., revokes licenses of...
Hajj 2025 Mecca: Authorities in Saudi Arabia are cracking down on illegal journeys to Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage after a larger number of deaths last year due to extreme summer heat. Saudi Arabia has barred more than 269,000 unauthorized individuals from entering Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The government holds unauthorized pilgrims responsible for overcrowding during Hajj. The number of expulsions highlights the scale of unauthorised pilgrimages, as well as the demand to perform the Hajj. There are currently an estimated 1.4 million Muslims in Mecca, with more expected to arrive in the coming days. 1.4 Million Muslims Arrive in Mecca Around 1.4 million Muslims have arrived in Mecca so far, according to the officials. Anyone attempting to perform Hajj without official permission may face penalties, including a fine of up to 5,000 US dollars and other punitive actions such as deportation. At a press conference in Mecca, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering. Only permit holders are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, even if they live in the city year-round. Officials have also imposed penalties on more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj companies. Fines Imposed on Saudi Residents as Well The officials have added that they prevented 269,678 Muslims without proper permits from entering the city. According to regulations, only those with valid permits are allowed to perform Hajj, even if they have been residing in the city for a year. Authorities have fined more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj rules and have revoked the licenses of 400 companies involved in Hajj-related services. Hajj is performed between the 8th and 12th (or 13th) days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. This period falls roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, although the exact timing may vary slightly based on the lunar cycle.
Saudi Gazette
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
FM Araghchi: Iran won't allow any disruption in relations with Saudi Arabia
Saudi Gazette report TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that relations with Saudi Arabia have become a matter of significant concern in light of recent developments, reported. He emphasized that Tehran is keen on maintaining bilateral relations and ensuring that the Hajj season is not affected. Araghchi emphasized that Iran will continue its fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia and will not allow any disruption to them. "The issue of relations with Saudi Arabia is receiving critical attention due to the recent developments. I am in contact with our friends in the mission of the Supreme Leader as well as with the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, to ensure that there is no disruption to the process of sending Iranian pilgrims or Hajj-related arrangements," he said. "We are completely serious about relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The neighborhood policy we initiated some time ago is a very important policy, and Saudi Arabia occupies a very important position in this policy," he added. It is noteworthy that the visit of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to Iran and meeting top Iranian leaders last month was instrumental in further improving the bilateral relations between the two countries. During his official visit to the Iranian capital, the Saudi minister met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri.
Leaders
27-05-2025
- Leaders
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia Sets New Rules, Requirements, Key Changes
In order to ensure safety and order during Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia has set new rules, strict deadlines, permit requirements, and penalties for non-compliance. Age Restrictions The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has banned children from accompanying pilgrims during Hajj 2025 season, Gulf News reported. The ministry indicated that the ban aims basically to protect children from every year's crowding during Hajj seasons. 'This measure is taken to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to avoid exposing them to any harm during the pilgrimage,' the ministry added. Hajj Priority The ministry also announced that priority for 2025 Hajj participation will be as always for those who have not performed the Hajj before. Permit Requirements Since April 23, 2025, entry into Makkah was restricted to individuals with valid permits. The Kingdom said that People could enter through city checkpoints if they carry one of the following: A permit to work at the holy sites, issued by authorized bodies A residency card showing Mecca as their registered city A valid Hajj permit obtained through official channels Visa Cut-offs Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah specified April 13 as the final date for Umrah entry to Saudi Arabia, according to Arab News. The ministry also designated April 29 as the final date for Umrah pilgrims to depart the Kingdom in order to intensify the Kingdom's preparations ahead of Hajj 2025. As a result, those who overstay beyond the specified deadlines shall face statutory penalties. In this context, the ministry advised pilgrims and Umrah companies to abide by regulations and instructions. Companies will have to pay an up to SR100,000 fine if they did not report those pilgrims who stay at the Kingdom after the end of their residency period. The authorities also advised all Hajj-related companies and establishments to strongly adhere to the Kingdom's Hajj and Umrah regulations and instructions. According to the statement, fines can reach up to SR100,000, and they vary depending on the number of pilgrims and Umrah performers who violate their departure dates. Apart from this, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has stressed that visit visa holders cannot perform Hajj 2025 according to the official regulations. Based on the new regulations, citizens, residents, and visitors who try to enter Mecca without valid Hajj permits will have to pay a SR10,000 fine. Furthermore, entering main religious sites such as the Holy City, the Central Haram Area, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Haramain Train Station in Rusayfah, and other Hajj-related locations like security control centers and temporary checkpoints requires a Hajj permit. Health Requirements Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has updated the health requirements for the 2025 Hajj season to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims. The new updates seek to boost preventive health, provide high-quality healthcare services, and enhance the efficiency of medical care. Therefore, they will provide guests of Allah with a safe and healthy environment to enjoy their spiritual journey and smoothly perform their rituals in the Holy Sites. Importantly, the updated requirements feature health fitness, vaccinations, preventive measures, and various general health guidelines for those coming to the Kingdom for Hajj or seasonal work in Hajj sites. Recently, the Ministry has also issued health requirements for pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom to perform Hajj, visit the Prophet's Mosque, or both. Such requirements include mandatory medical guidelines and precautionary measures aimed at protecting public health. To review the ministry's health requirements, kindly visit the link below: Related Topics: Makkah's Hajj Gifts Ritual Exhibition Attracts over 25,000 Visitors Saudi Arabia Launches AI-Powered App for Hajj 2025 Saudi Arabia Unveils New App Showing Hajj Permits Digitally Short link : Post Views: 2
