Saudi government has barred expatriates living in Saudi Arabia to enter the Holy city of Makkah without a permit.
The decision will be applicable to those who do not have Umrah and Haj visas and will continue till the end of Haj 2022.
Officials said expats holding the Iqama (work and residency permit) issued from Makkah will be exempted from the permit.
The travel ban is imposed during the annual pilgrimage season and is applicable to all kinds of vehicles. Those exempted from the ban must have permits from authorities.
“The move is in line with guidelines aiming at regulating the Haj pilgrimage,” Public Security spokesperson, Sami Mohammed Al Shuwairekh was quoted as saying by the Saudi Press Agency.
