Saudi Arabia bans residents entry into Mecca without permits

Saudi Arabia has announced that only residents holding valid permits will be allowed to enter Mecca from April 13, as part of new regulations for the Hajj season.

The General Directorate of Public Security said that residents without permits issued by the relevant authority to work in the holy sites, a resident ID issued in Mecca, or a valid Hajj permit will be barred from entry, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

Permits for residents working during the Hajj season will be issued digitally.

Authorities have set April 18 as the deadline for foreign pilgrims on Umrah visas to leave the kingdom. From the same date Umrah permits will be suspended for all categories, including citizens, residents and GCC nationals, until May 31.

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