From April 29, 2024, Saudi Arabia will prohibit all non-Hajj pilgrims from residing in Mecca, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah without an official permit. The policy, as released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, targets all visa holders (tourists, residents, visit visa holders) except those who possess a valid Hajj permit.
Who Is Affected?
Exemptions:
Pilgrims with official Hajj permits (published through the Nusuk or Motawif platforms).
Local residents employed in Hajj services (provided they have evidence of employment).
Saudi citizens and expatriates with residence (valid Iqama) but traveling for purposes other than Hajj (under restrictions).
Restrictions Apply To:
Visitors on visit visas lacking Hajj permission.
Umrah pilgrims trying to remain in Hajj areas during the pilgrimage season.
Those in prohibited areas without a permit face fines, deportation, or prosecution.
Why This Policy?
Crowd Control: Facilitates security and easy movement for 2+ million Hajj pilgrims.
Crackdown on Illegal Hajj Operators: Bars unregistered travel agencies from conducting unauthorized pilgrimages.
Adherence to Saudi Vision 2030: With part of efforts to modernize Hajj management via digital permits (Nusuk app).
Key Dates & Zones
Period of Enforcement: April 29 – June 21, 2024 (may be extended).
Restricted Areas:
Mecca (particularly around the Grand Mosque).
Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah (Hajj ritual areas).
Penalties: Offenders risk SAR 10,000 fine (~$2,670), deportation, and a 10-year Hajj ban.
What Should Travelers Do?
Umrah pilgrims: Finish rituals before April 29 or remain outside banned areas.
Tourists: Refrain from booking Mecca hotels unless they have Hajj clearance.
Residents (Iqama holders): Carry ID and steer clear of Hajj areas without permits.
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj 2024 Preparations
1.8 million slots assigned (with quotas for local and foreign pilgrims).
Digital Hajj permits compulsory through Nusuk or Motawif platforms.
AI and drones used for crowd monitoring and security.
This policy comes after last year’s mass deportations of unauthorized pilgrims, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s firm enforcement.
