RIYADH: Those with visit visas in Saudi Arabia are prohibited from entering and staying in Makkah for a month from Thursday. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the decision will be applicable to all types of visit visas.
Holders of visit visas are not allowed to enter or remain in Makkah. The ban will be for one month from May 23 (Thursday) to June 21 (Friday). Visitor visas under various names are not considered as permits to perform Hajj. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, those who violate the law will be subject to severe punishment as per the laws and instructions of the country and the violators will be deported. At the same time, issuance of Umrah permits through Nusk application has also been stopped.
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Umrah permits are now issued only after Hajj. The Ministry of Home Affairs also said that the law has been tightened to control congestion in Mecca and to enable pilgrims to perform Hajj without difficulty. Along with this, measures are being taken to arrest illegal Hajj organizations in various areas of the country under the Security Department. Checks at the entrances to Mecca have also been tightened.
