Can one perform Hajj during Umrah? Saudi Arabia clarifies key query of pilgrims

MAKKAH – The Ministry of Hajj, Saudi Arabia has issued a clear guideline that Umrah visa holders must leave the city before their visa expires, as the Umrah visa does not allow them to perform Hajj.

In an official statement, the ministry clarified that violators will face heavy fines and are at risk of being deported from the holy land.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has also issued a warning to both foreign and local pilgrims, emphasizing the importance of obtaining proper permits for the ongoing Hajj season.

In this regard, SR 10,000 fine will be imposed on anyone who tries to gain entry into Makkah without a Hajj Permit. The penalties will be imposed from June 2, 2024, until June 20 which falls between Dhul Qada 25, 1445 to Dhul Hijjah 14 as per the Islamic dates.

The government has clarified that the penalties will be imposed on all the offenders including Saudi nationals, expatriates, and visitors. According to the regulations, whoever gets caught within the allocated area without a permit will face the consequences.

It is now considered illegal to perform Hajj without the necessary authorization, with violators facing a substantial fine of 50,000 Saudi riyals, equivalent to over 3.7 million Pakistani rupees.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has underscored the importance of this measure, aiming to uphold established regulations and preserve the sanctity of the pilgrimage.

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, obligatory for all Muslims who can afford it. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Pilgrims perform a series of rituals, that symbolize unity, equality, and spiritual cleansing.