Expatriates, without an official permit, banned from entering Makkah

 April 23, 2025

Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The Directorate of Public Security has announced that expatriates, without an official permit, are banned from entering Makkah, effective from Wednesday, April 23.

The directorate stated that those residents who hold one of the following documents will be exempted from this ban: a work permit or a residency permit (iqama) issued in Makkah, or a Hajj permit. Expatriates without the required permits will be turned back from the security checkpoints at the entry points of Makkah.

The enforcement of this regulation aims to regulate access to Makkah during the Hajj season and ensure smooth movement and security for pilgrims. Permits for entering Makkah during the Hajj season are issued electronically through the “Absher Individuals” platform and the “Muqeem” portal, in coordination with the unified digital platform for Hajj permits, “Tasreeh.”

The Ministry of Interior also renewed its warning that it is prohibited to enter or stay in the city of Makkah for holders of all types of visas, with the exception of those arriving with a Hajj visa, starting next Tuesday, April 29.

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