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Preparations for Hajj season begin in Mecca, announced the Saudi Ministry of Interior, as special regulations will soon take effect to manage the sacred event.
Starting from April 23, all foreigners residing in Saudi Arabia must obtain official permits to travel to Mecca, or face being turned back at checkpoints.
The Ministry said foreigners with Umrah visas must leave the Kingdom by April 29. Staying beyond that date will be considered a legal violation.
Those without a valid travel permit attempting to reach Mecca will be returned from Shamisi or other security checkposts operating in the region.
However, foreigners whose residency permits were issued by the authorities can visit Mecca, meanwhile, the individuals with work duties in Mecca must obtain a travel permit via the official portal to avoid any inconvenience, as stated by the authorities.
READ: Govt made THIS certificate mandatory for Hajj 2025 applicants
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Hajj operation preparations are in full swing at Islamabad International Airport, according to Chief Operating Officer Aftab Gilani.
He said more than 45,000 Hajj pilgrims will depart from Islamabad this year under the Road to Mecca project.
Overall, the Islamabad airport will handle 90,000 Hajj pilgrims, with additional service counters to be set up soon for convenience and timely processing.
The Road to Mecca initiative will also be available at Karachi Airport, extending easier immigration services for pilgrims.
In a significant development, Saudi Arabia approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Pakistani pilgrims after a special request by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information.
