Steps to issue an entry permit to Mecca via Absher for 4 categories

The General Directorate of Passports and Public Security in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the availability of an electronic service for issuing entry permits to Mecca through the Absher platform. This service targets four main categories to facilitate their procedures during the Hajj season: holders of premium residency permits, investors, citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and mothers of Saudi citizens. This step comes as part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to digitize services and streamline government procedures for pilgrims and residents.

Steps to issue an entry permit to Mecca via the Absher platform

To make things easier for beneficiaries, the relevant authorities explained that the process of obtaining an entry permit to Mecca is done through simple and easy electronic steps, and includes the following:

• Log in to your personal account on the Absher electronic platform website.
• Go to the “My Services” tab from the main menu.
• Select the “Passports” sector from among the available options.
• Click on the “Entry Permit to Mecca” service.
• Fill in the required data and select “Create an entry permit request to Mecca”.

The historical development of crowd management and the administration of holy sites

Since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on organizing and managing crowds during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Historically, the Hajj journey has been fraught with organizational challenges, but with technological advancements and steady population growth, the Kingdom has begun implementing precise regulations to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims. The requirement for prior permits to enter the Holy City is an extension of long-standing efforts aimed at preventing overcrowding and curbing the phenomenon of performing Hajj without a permit. These measures, accumulated over decades, have contributed to transforming Hajj management into a globally recognized model for managing millions of people within a limited geographical area and timeframe.

Security and organizational dimensions of permits for the Holy Capital

The implementation of these regulatory measures is of paramount importance and has a far-reaching impact on several levels. Locally, the meticulous organization contributes to easing the burden on infrastructure, health facilities, and security in Mecca, ensuring the provision of high-quality services to authorized pilgrims. Regionally and internationally, this organization reflects the Kingdom's commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for millions of Muslims arriving from all corners of the globe. Furthermore, the technological integration between the Absher Individuals platform, the Muqeem portal, and the unified digital platform for issuing Hajj permits (Tasreeh platform) enhances the efficiency of security operations and reduces opportunities for violations, thus solidifying the Kingdom's image as a leading nation in harnessing technology to serve humanity.

Date of implementation of the entry ban and the entities exempted

In a related development, Saudi Arabia's Public Security Directorate confirmed the commencement of arrangements and procedures for the 1447 AH Hajj season. Accordingly, it was decided to prohibit residents wishing to travel to Mecca from entering the city without obtaining an official permit from the relevant authorities, effective Monday, April 13. Security officials emphasized that regulations will be strictly enforced against violators. Exemptions from this ban include those holding a valid work permit for the Holy Sites issued by the competent authority, those with a residency permit issued in Mecca, and holders of valid Hajj permits. These proactive measures aim to ensure smooth traffic flow, maintain security, and provide the utmost comfort for pilgrims.