In a significant policy shift aimed at enhancing the management of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced new visa regulations set to take effect in 2025.
These changes include steep penalties for unauthorized pilgrimages and updates to temporary work visas, which are expected to impact thousands of prospective pilgrims and seasonal workers.
Beginning in 2025, individuals entering Makkah without a valid Hajj permit will face a hefty fine of SR 10,000 (approximately Rs 2.23 lakh), a dramatic increase from the previous penalty of SR 1,000.
This move is part of a broader initiative to curb unauthorized pilgrimages during the Hajj season, ensuring that only those with the appropriate permissions can partake in this sacred journey.
According to data from India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs, around 175,000 Indians perform Hajj annually, a number that fluctuates based on the quota set by Saudi Arabia, which considers the global Muslim population and various factors when allocating spaces for pilgrims.
The Ministry’s latest announcement serves as a crucial reminder for prospective pilgrims to secure their Hajj permits well in advance of the pilgrimage season.
Saudi authorities have reiterated that individuals on visit visas are strictly prohibited from performing Hajj. Those found in Makkah or other key pilgrimage areas—such as Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah—without the correct permits will be subject to additional penalties.
Furthermore, Hajj visa holders will be restricted from visiting areas outside Makkah, Madinah, and associated pilgrimage sites, emphasizing the importance of compliance with the new regulations.
Hajj visas, which are issued free of charge, will be available from Mid-Shawwal until 25th Dhual-Qa’dah each year.
For the upcoming season, Mid-Shawwal is projected to start around April 13, 2025, with the final date for visa issuance set for around June 23, 2025. This timeframe allows prospective pilgrims ample opportunity to prepare for their journeys.
In addition to the stricter Hajj permit regulations, the Saudi government has made notable changes to the temporary work visa structure for Hajj and Umrah services. The seasonal work visa has been renamed the “Temporary Work Visa for Hajj and Umrah Services.”
This visa will be valid from Shaban 15 to the end of Muharram, corresponding roughly to February 14, 2025, to July 25, 2025.
Employers will also have the option to extend these visas for an additional 90 days without requiring an endorsement, providing increased flexibility for businesses involved in Hajj and Umrah services.
However, these updated visas come with stricter requirements. Employers are now mandated to establish contracts with employees and provide medical insurance as part of the application process.
All documentation must be processed through the Kingdom’s consulates abroad, ensuring compliance with the new regulations and protecting both employers and workers.
As Saudi Arabia prepares for the upcoming Hajj season, these new measures reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the pilgrimage while also facilitating the growing demand for temporary work in the religious tourism sector.
Pilgrims and seasonal workers alike will need to navigate these changes carefully to ensure a smooth and compliant experience in the holy cities.