Moroccan consulate issues urgent advisory on Saudi Hajj restrictions

The Moroccan Consulate General in Jeddah has issued a critical advisory to Moroccan citizens regarding the strict entry and residence regulations in Saudi Arabia during the forthcoming Hajj season. This announcement comes as Saudi authorities implement rigorous measures to ensure compliance and maintain order during the pilgrimage period.

The consulate explicitly stated that holders of Umrah visas are barred from entering Saudi territory starting April 13, 2025. Those who were already in the country before this date must completely vacate Mecca and leave Saudi Arabia by April 29.

For family visit visa holders, while entry into the kingdom is permitted, travel to Mecca is prohibited from April 23 to June 11. Furthermore, individuals with tourist visas are not authorized to enter Mecca during this restricted timeframe, with violations leading to severe legal repercussions and immediate deportation.

Saudi authorities have imposed substantial penalties for noncompliance. A fine of 50,000 Saudi riyals awaits anyone who overstays their Umrah visa, alongside potential imprisonment for up to six months, followed by mandatory deportation. Travel companies that neglect to report violators will incur fines of 100,000 Saudi riyals for each infraction.

The consulate has strongly urged citizens to abide by these regulations to maintain their legal status and avoid prosecution, highlighting the reputation of Moroccans for adhering to laws during religious observances. This advisory reflects broader measures by Saudi Arabia, which has temporarily suspended the issuance of short-term visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Morocco, from mid-April until mid-June 2025.

This suspension affects Umrah visas, business visit visas, and family visit visas, following last year's tragic events during Hajj 2024, when over 1,200 pilgrims perished, many of whom were unregistered visitors who had entered the country on non-pilgrimage visas.

Saudi security forces took action last year by removing over 300,000 unauthorized pilgrims from Mecca, including nearly 154,000 foreigners who had entered on tourist visas. The visa suspension also pertains to countries such as Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

These restrictions do not impact pilgrims holding valid Hajj permits or those obtaining official Hajj visas through recognized channels. In the previous Hajj season, Morocco dispatched 34,000 registered pilgrims, with a significant portion supervised by the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs.

The Moroccan Consulate's advisory underscores the importance of following these regulations to ensure a safe and orderly pilgrimage experience, as Saudi authorities continue to prioritize the safety of all pilgrims during this sacred time.