Saudi authorities have begun enforcing strict entry restrictions for the Makkah region as of mid-April. Expatriates and residents are barred from entering the holy city unless they possess a valid Hajj permit, a Makkah-issued residency ID, or a specific work permit for the Holy Sites. These measures, confirmed by Public Security, are part of the early-phase organizational efforts to manage the 2026 Hajj season effectively.

Source: Saudi Press Agency (SPA) / Gulf News