Introduction to the organization of entry into the Holy City
As part of the ongoing efforts of the Saudi Arabian government to organize the Hajj and Umrah seasons, relevant authorities have announced new updates regarding entry procedures to the Holy City of Mecca. These steps are part of the Ministry of Interior's efforts, represented by Public Security, to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims and provide an environment free from overcrowding. Among the most prominent of these updates is the announcement of procedures for issuing entry permits to Mecca for domestic workers through the "Absher" electronic platform, reflecting the significant technological advancements the Kingdom is witnessing in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
Historical context and digital transformation in Hajj management
Historically, crowd management and regulating entry to Mecca during the Hajj season required immense field and paperwork efforts. With the increasing number of pilgrims annually, the Kingdom recognized the importance of digital transformation to streamline procedures. Since the launch of the “Absher” platform, government services have become a global model of speed and reliability. Restricting entry to Mecca for unauthorized individuals before the start of Hajj rituals is a long-standing and well-considered regulatory measure. Its primary aim is to prevent unauthorized Hajj and combat fraudulent campaigns, ensuring that resources and services are allocated only to registered pilgrims and providing them with the utmost comfort.
The importance of the decision and its local and international impact
The decision to mandate entry permits to Mecca for domestic workers and residents is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, it helps alleviate direct pressure on the infrastructure of the holy city, facilitates traffic flow, and prevents the infiltration of those violating residency and labor laws. Regionally and internationally, this measure enhances the confidence of the Islamic and international community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ability to efficiently and effectively manage the world's largest human gathering, positively impacting the experience of pilgrims who come from all corners of the earth to find a safe, organized, and technologically advanced environment.
Steps to issue a permit to enter Mecca for domestic workers via “Absher”
The “Absher” platform explained that the service allows beneficiaries to issue permits easily and conveniently, by following the following electronic steps:
- Log in to your personal account on the Absher.
- Go to the services menu and select the labor.
- Click on the option to enter Mecca.
- Choose to create an entry permit application to Mecca and complete the required data for the process to succeed.
Implementation of procedures and exempted entities begins
Saudi Arabia's Public Security Directorate confirmed the implementation of arrangements and procedures for the Hajj season, which require residents wishing to enter Mecca to obtain an official permit from the relevant authorities. This decision came into effect on Monday, April 13, and anyone without a valid permit will be denied entry to the holy city.
Public security stressed that these measures will be strictly enforced, with the exception of three main categories who are allowed entry without needing this permit, namely:
- Anyone who has an entry permit to work in the holy sites issued by the competent authority.
- Anyone who holds a resident ID (residence permit) issued by the Holy Capital.
- Who has a valid and valid Hajj permit.
Security authorities have clarified that the process of issuing entry permits to the Holy City of Mecca for resident workers during the Hajj season is entirely electronic, conducted through the “Absher Individuals” platform and the “Muqeem” portal. This is done in conjunction with the unified digital platform for issuing Hajj permits (Tasreeh platform). This integration ensures data accuracy and speed of processing, and coincides with a warning of strict penalties for those who facilitate the entry of Hajj violators.
