Saudi Arabia: Hajj Visas Start March 1; Mecca Approves Buildings For 1.2m Pilgrims. As the annual Hajj season approaches, Saudi Arabia is gearing up to welcome pilgrims from around the world to the holy city of Mecca. With meticulous planning and preparations underway, the Saudi authorities have initiated the licensing process for buildings to accommodate pilgrims during this spiritual journey.
Saudi Arabia: Hajj Visas Start March 1; Mecca Approves Buildings For 1.2m Pilgrims
The Saudi committee responsible for housing Muslim pilgrims has granted licenses to a total of 1,860 buildings in Mecca. These licensed structures are capable of accommodating approximately 1.2 million pilgrims, ensuring comfortable and safe lodging during their pilgrimage experience.
Extended Deadline for Applications
Deputy Governor of Mecca, Prince Saud bin Meshal, has announced an extension for receiving applications from building landlords seeking licenses. The deadline now extends until the end of Shawwal, providing ample opportunity for building owners to participate in the licensing process. This move aims to enhance the capacity to accommodate pilgrims and streamline the logistical aspects of the Hajj season.
Expected Number of Buildings
The anticipated number of buildings designated for pilgrims in Mecca is set to surpass 5,000, reflecting the magnitude of preparations underway. This expansion underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring that pilgrims have access to suitable accommodations during their spiritual journey.
Implementation of New Rules
Saudi Arabia has unveiled new regulations for the upcoming Hajj season, emphasizing the importance of early preparations. Notably, there will be no specific allocations for countries at the holy sites, with designations to be finalized through contractual agreements. This approach aims to optimize logistical arrangements and ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Commencement of Visa Issuance
Hajj visa issuance will commence on March 1 and conclude on the 20th of Shawwal, facilitating the entry of pilgrims into Saudi Arabia. The arrival of Hajj pilgrims is scheduled to begin on the first of Dhul Qaidah, signifying the start of this sacred journey.
Facilitating Hajj Preparations
The implementation of these measures is geared towards facilitating preparations for the Hajj, an obligatory Islamic duty. By initiating the licensing process early and streamlining visa procedures, Saudi Arabia aims to ensure that pilgrims can fulfill this sacred obligation with ease, both physically and financially.
Conclusion
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host millions of pilgrims for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, meticulous planning and preparations are underway to facilitate a seamless and spiritually enriching experience. With the licensing of buildings, implementation of new regulations, and commencement of visa issuance, the stage is set for pilgrims to embark on this sacred journey with peace of mind and devotion.