As of March 1, Saudi Arabia has started the issuance of Hajj visas to Muslim pilgrims worldwide for the forthcoming annual Hajj season.
The issuance of Hajj visas will last until April 29, while this year’s Hajj season will fall between June 14 and 19, VisaGuide.World reports.
Regarding this pilgrimage, Saudi authorities have already granted licenses for 1,860 buildings to accommodate pilgrims in the Holy City of Mecca, as reported by GulfNews. According to the government panel, the licensed buildings are expected to house about 1.2 million people.
However, Mecca’s deputy governor, Saud bin Meshal, has extended the deadline for landlords to apply for building licenses to May 8th. Henceforth, the number of licensed buildings is anticipated to surpass 5000.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have started the Hajj preparations and unveiled several rules. Regarding these regulations, the Saudi Minister of Hajj, Tawfiq Al Rabiah, explained that specific places would no longer be allocated for countries at the Saudi holy sites in the new pilgrimage season according to these regulations.
He further added that specific locations for various countries will be determined upon the finalization of contracts.
Muslim pilgrims will start arriving on the first day of Dhul Qaidah, the 11th Islamic month, which falls on May 9th.
Last year, about two million pilgrims from various countries worldwide performed Hajj in and around Mecca. Such a figure reached levels of 2019, the pre-pandemic year.
Hajj Cannot Be Performed With a Tourist Visa
A Hajj visa is issued specifically for performing the Hajj pilgrimage, and it is valid only during the Hajj season. In addition, it cannot be used for work or residency purposes.
Prior to last year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reminded pilgrims that performing Hajj with a tourist visa was not permitted.
Guests of God coming to Mecca, we would like to remind you that a visit visa does not allow the performance of Hajj rituals. May God accept good deeds from us and from you.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
Meanwhile, Saudi nationals and residents are required to obtain a Hajj Permit by applying at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
People who wish to obtain such a visa are required to apply through travel agencies that are licensed by the Saudi authorities because Hajj visas are not issued to individuals. The Hajj Visa is issued free of charge at the Embassies or Consulates of Saudi Arabia worldwide.