Ministry of Interior: Entry permits to Mecca are a prerequisite via Tawakkalna
issued The Saudi Ministry of Interior a firm and official statement confirming that presenting entry permits to Mecca and the Holy Sites to security personnel is a fundamental and mandatory requirement for anyone wishing to enter or remain in the Holy City during this period. These strict measures are part of a comprehensive security and organizational plan aimed at managing crowds and ensuring the smooth flow of movement during the Hajj season.
Digital transformation and streamlining procedures through Tawakkalna and Midan
In light of the technological advancements and digital transformation underway in Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030, the Ministry clarified that citizens, residents, and visitors can their Hajj and entry permits easily Tawakkalna. Meanwhile, security personnel at checkpoints have been equipped with the “Midan” security application, which allows them to instantly and accurately verify the validity and authenticity of these permits in seconds, thus preventing any attempts at forgery or manipulation.
Historical context and ongoing efforts to organize the Hajj
Historically, the Saudi Arabian government has always placed great importance on organizing the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. In past decades, managing millions of pilgrims relied on paper permits and manual sorting, which presented some challenges in crowd management. Today, with the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the Holy Mosque, the adoption of modern technology has become essential. Requiring permits is not a new procedure in itself, but rather an extension of the "No Hajj Without a Permit" policy, which has proven highly successful in recent years in eliminating the phenomenon of unauthorized pilgrims sleeping in public and reducing the rates of accidents and stampedes.
Strategic importance and expected impact
This regulatory decision is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, it helps alleviate the burden on infrastructure, healthcare, and security services in Mecca, ensuring high-quality services for those with valid permits. Regionally and internationally, this meticulous regulation reflects a positive and bright image of the Kingdom's ability to manage the world's largest human gathering with the highest standards of security and safety, reassuring Muslims worldwide that their spiritual journey is accompanied by care and attention.
A call for compliance and reporting of violations
The Ministry of Interior urged all citizens, residents, and visitors to fully comply with Hajj regulations and instructions. It emphasized that these laws were established primarily to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease, comfort, and peace of mind. As part of its commitment to community involvement in maintaining security, the Ministry called upon everyone to report any individuals or entities violating these regulations and instructions. Reports can be submitted by calling the unified number (911) in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions, while reports can be submitted by calling (999) in the rest of the Kingdom.
