MEDAN PR– Saudi Arabia continues to tighten preparations ahead of the 1447 Hijri Hajj season.
This year, the local government began implementing an electronic-based Mecca entry permit system, while limiting access for international pilgrims, including from Indonesia.
Saudi Arabia’s Directorate General of Passports announced the launch of a digital service for applying for entry permits to Mecca for resident workers during the Hajj season.
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This policy is part of the modernization of immigration services, as well as an effort to reduce congestion at service points.
Applying for permits can now be done online via the Absher and Muqeem platforms.
With this system, applicants no longer have to come directly to the passport office, because the entire process has been digitally integrated.
The Absher Individuals platform is used by various categories, from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, premium residence permit holders, investors, to non-Saudi domestic workers and families.
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Meanwhile, the Muqeem portal is intended for workers of companies operating in Makkah or having work contracts during the Hajj season.
This digitalization step goes hand in hand with the policy of restricting access to the city of Makkah which will come into effect in April 2026.
Guidance on Hajj Manasik at the Garut Regency level in 2026 which took place at the Garut Pendopo Building, Sunday (12/4/2026)./ Doc. Diskominfo./
International pilgrims are restricted from entering Makkah
The Saudi Arabian government through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has determined that from April 18 to April 30 2026, only Saudi citizens are allowed to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca.
This means that all international pilgrims, including from Indonesia, cannot enter Mecca during this period. This policy is part of the sterilization stages of areas leading up to the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Based on the government’s official calendar, the deadline for arrival of international pilgrims is April 2 2026. All pilgrims are also required to leave Saudi Arabia no later than April 18 2026.
Apart from that, since April 13 2026, expatriates and residents without official permission are also prohibited from entering the Makkah area.
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The Saudi Arabian government emphasizes that it is only legal to carry out the Hajj pilgrimage using a Hajj visa, not an Umrah visa. This confirmation was carried out to prevent misuse of permits which could potentially disrupt the smooth running of the Hajj.
Minister of Hajj Gus Irfan during an interview regarding the possibility of increasing Hajj flight costs.
Preparations for Hajj 2026 are increasingly mature
As part of the preparations, the issuance of 2026 Hajj visas has begun on February 8. The first wave of Hajj pilgrims is scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia on April 18 2026, to coincide with 1 Dzulqa’dah 1447 H.
So far, around 750,000 prospective pilgrims have registered. Of this number, around 30,000 pilgrims ordered Hajj packages independently from their country of origin.
To support accommodation, local authorities have prepared around 485 camps for international pilgrims in the holy area. In addition, 73 Hajj affairs offices from various countries have also completed their basic service contracts.
This policy of limiting and digitizing services marks Saudi Arabia’s seriousness in ensuring that the 2026 Hajj is carried out in an orderly, safe and controlled manner, amidst the high enthusiasm of Muslims from all over the world.***
10 Comments
The shift to a digital Makkah entry permit is a significant change, especially for resident workers during the Hajj season. It makes sense that Saudi authorities would want stricter controls given the crowds, but I hope Indonesian pilgrims and others affected by these restrictions get clear guidance on the new application process well in advance.