Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry

Cliff Notes – Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry

• The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that individuals wishing to perform Hajj this year must secure a permit via the Nusuk platform, which is now linked to the unified Tasreeh system for official permits.
• It clarified that possessing any type of visa does not grant automatic rights to perform Hajj, reinforcing the necessity of obtaining the official permit.
• The ministry emphasised the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure the safety of pilgrims and facilitate a smooth experience during the pilgrimage.

Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry

Riyadh: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stressed that individuals intending to perform Hajj this year must obtain a permit through the Nusuk platform, which is integrated with the unified Tasreeh system for issuing official permits.

It also said that no type of visa grants the right to perform Hajj, and that full compliance with regulations is essential to ensure the safety of pilgrims and a smooth Hajj experience.

5 important rules for Hajj 2025

Rule 1: Entry into Saudi Arabia
The Ministry announced that April 13, 2025 (Shawwal 15, 1446 AH), is the final date for Umrah visa holders to enter Saudi Arabia.

Rule 2: Deadline for leaving Saudi Arabia
Umrah visa holders must depart Saudi Arabia by April 29, 2025 (Dhu al-Qi’dah 1, 1446 AH).

Rule 3: Permits required for residents
Starting April 23, 2025 (Shawwal 25, 1446 AH), residents of Saudi Arabia must obtain entry permits from the relevant authorities to enter Makkah.

Residents without the necessary permits will be denied entry and returned to their original location. Exemptions apply to those who:

• Hold a work permit for the holy sites issued by the relevant authority
• Have a resident ID issued by the city of Makkah
• Possess a valid Hajj permit

Entry permits for those working in Makkah during the Hajj season can be obtained electronically via the “Absher Individuals” and “Muqeem” portals.

Rule 4: Suspension of Umrah permits
Umrah permits issued through the ‘Nusuk’ platform will be suspended from April 29 to June 10, 2025. This applies to citizens of Saudi Arabia, residents, GCC nationals, and holders of other visa types.

Rule 5: Hajj visas for entry into Makkah
Starting April 29, only individuals holding Hajj visas will be allowed to enter or remain in Makkah.

The Ministry of Interior has urged full compliance with these Hajj season regulations and called for cooperation with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of all pilgrims. Violations of these rules will result in legal penalties.