Six Categories Allowed Mecca Entry

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports announced that six specific categories of individuals are now eligible to obtain electronic permits to enter Mecca during the Hajj season through the Absher Individuals platform.

The measure is part of tightened entry regulations as the Hajj season begins, with authorities restricting access to the holy city to ensure safety, crowd control, and compliance with pilgrimage procedures.

The eligible categories include Premium Residency holders, investors, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, non-Saudi mothers of Saudi citizens, non-Saudi family members of citizens, and domestic workers.

The digital service allows applicants to secure entry permits electronically through a simplified process, integrated with Saudi Arabia’s broader digital governance systems.

Authorities have confirmed that, since April 19, residents without valid permits are no longer allowed to enter Mecca. Entry is now limited to individuals holding authorised work permits issued within the city, residents of Mecca, or those carrying official Hajj permits. Saudi Public Security also stated that permits for expatriate workers are issued electronically via the Absher platform and the Muqeem portal, fully integrated with the unified Hajj permit system, “Tasreeh.”

The measures are part of broader efforts to regulate movement into the holy sites during one of the busiest periods in the Islamic calendar.