Saudi Arabian authorities have clarified the restrictions on pilgrims’ movement within the kingdom on a Hajj visa, emphasizing that it is not valid for work or residency.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Hajj visa permits travel exclusively within the cities of Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca. It is strictly prohibited to use the Hajj visa for work, residency, or travel outside these designated areas. Violations may result in future Hajj participation bans and deportation.
The Ministry also outlined the necessity for international visitors, excluding citizens of GCC countries requiring a Hajj permit, to obtain a Hajj visa for the annual pilgrimage, set to commence next month.
Saudi Arabia anticipates hosting over 2 million pilgrims worldwide for this year’s Hajj, scheduled to commence in June.
Recently, Saudi authorities announced plans for pilgrims to wear special tags to aid in identifying illegal pilgrims. As the Hajj season approaches, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced the Nusuk Card, containing detailed pilgrim information.
A digital version of the card is accessible through Saudi apps Nusuk and Tawakklana, and pilgrims must display it for access to holy sites and movement within the kingdom.
Overseas pilgrims will receive the card from their respective Hajj offices following the issuance of pilgrimage visas, while domestic pilgrims will obtain it from service providers after Hajj permits are issued.
