Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia’s BIG decision, bans entry to Mecca for Indians, and other foreigners without…

Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia has tightened the rules ahead of the upcoming annual Hajj pilgrimage, and barred the entry of foreign citizens, including Indians, into the holy city of Mecca. According to Saudi Arabian officials, no foreigner will allowed into Mecca without a Hajj Permit.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Public Security, said the new rules, which came into effect from April 23 this month, are being strictly enforced at all all entry-points leading to Mecca. “Only those with Hajj Permit, Mecca Residence Permit (Iqama) and permission to work in the city will be allowed entry. People lacking these documents will be turned away at the checkpoints,” it said.

Saudi officials said the entry into Mecca is being strictly monitored using using digital systems to ensure compliance with Hajj rules, and any violation could invite hefty fines, imprisonment, or deportation of foreign nationals. The rules will become more stern from April 29, 2025, and only those carrying Hajj visas will be allowed entry into Mecca, they said.

Muslims who wish to perform the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage can apply for the necessary permit via online platforms like Absher and Muqeem, that are connected to an integrated digital system called Tasreeh.

Saudi Arabia changes visa rules

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia announced sweeping changes to its visa regulations, barring multiple-entry visa for travelers from as many as 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who will now be granted access to the country only on a single-entry visa.

The ban, which affects travelers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen, came into effect on February 1, 2025, and is aimed at curbing unauthorized people joining the Hajj pilgrimage by arriving in the desert kingdom on long-term visit visas.

According to Saudi authorities, many foreign nationals often overstay in the Kingdom to perform Hajj and Umrah during the pilgrimage season, which makes managing the religious event– one of the largest in the world– very difficult.

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