As the Hajj season approaches, visitors in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj or other assignments have been from May 15 denied access to the city of Mecca, the authoritative Gulf News has reported.
This development comes on the heels of the recent statement from the Ghana Hajj Board warning against those who seek to sneak in to perform the Hajj a non-Hajj visa for the purpose.
According to the General Directorate of Public Security of Saudi Arabia, the measure is part of arrangements to regulate the pilgrimage, the Gulf News added.
One of the rules announced is that vehicles and expatriates resident in Saudi Arabia will not be permitted entry into the Holy city of Mecca except for those working at the Holy sites and holding permanent permits for the purpose.
Hajj begins on June 26 and activities towards that end are beginning to peak at the Hajj Village, especially following the extension of the deadline for payments.
The commencement is dependant upon the sighting of the moon and an announcement to that effect from the Saudi authorities.
The Ministry of the Hajj has insisted that those without the Hajj visa would not be allowed to take part in the religious activities.
The non-Hajj visa is valid for 90 days and does not allow holders to perform the Hajj, however some try to do so stealthily.
The General Directorate for Passports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has commenced accepting applications for the issuance of the Holy Sites entry permits for domestic workers, non-Saudi family members, workers employed by establishments, seasonal visa holders and contractors registered within the Ajeer system.
Information reaching DAILY GUIDE indicates that the Saudi authorities would be unusually strict about visa breaches.