ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that the last date to issue Umrah permits is 15 Dhul Qadah (4 June).
The decision comes in preparation for receiving the Hajj pilgrims, who started arriving in the Kingdom on Sunday.
The ministry said the Umrah visa does not allow pilgrims to perform Hajj. Saudi media reported that all pilgrims on Umrah visas would have to leave by 20 Dhul Qadah (18 June).
Earlier, the General Directorate of Public Security announced an entry ban to Makkah for individuals who do not hold special entry passes for the Hajj season.
Travelers without Umrah permits to be turned back
Travelers without permits would be turned back from the entry points.
The ban came into force on the 25 Shawwal under the guidelines for organizing Hajj 1444AH.
Persons exempted from the decision included those who hold a resident identity card (muqeem ID) issued from Makkah or a Hajj or Umrah permit.
The General Directorate of Passports was receiving applications electronically for entry permits to Makkah for domestic workers and non-Saudi family members, employees working in establishments based in the holy city, seasonal work visa holder individuals, and contractors with the establishments registered in the “Ajeer” system for the Hajj season.
