Hajj Visa Requirement: Only holders of the official Hajj visa are permitted to perform the pilgrimage. Visit visas of any type do not allow entry for Hajj.
Fines for Violators: Individuals attempting to enter or remain in Makkah or the holy sites using visit visas between the first day of Dhul-Qi’dah and the end of the 14th day of Dhul-Hijjah will face fines up to SR20,000.
Deportation and Bans: All violators, including residents who perform Hajj without proper permits, will be deported to their countries of origin and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years.
The Ministry emphasizes the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations to ensure the safety and security of all pilgrims.
Public Reporting: Authorities encourage residents and visitors to report any violations by calling (911) in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or (999) in other regions of the Kingdom.
This initiative aims to maintain order and ensure that all pilgrims can perform their rituals in peace and comfort.
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Previously, work permits were issued based primarily on job titles, often leading to mismatches between roles and worker qualifications.
The new classification aligns workers’ skills and qualifications more accurately with job requirements, enhancing the hiring process.
The categories are as follows:
High-skilled: Includes professions like engineers, doctors, and IT specialists, requiring candidates to meet a points-based system based on education, experience, and salary.
Skilled: Covers mid-level roles such as technicians and supervisors, which require verified qualifications but not the high-skilled points threshold.
Basic: For manual labor and support roles, with workers needing to be under 60 years old.
This change is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, aiming to raise workforce standards and improve job matching for foreign job seekers.
Employers must ensure accurate classification of their foreign hires and update employee records accordingly.
For job seekers, the new system offers clearer pathways to higher-tier opportunities and improves transparency in the hiring process.
To boost their chances of securing a higher classification, candidates are encouraged to gather relevant documentation and consider enrolling in Saudi-approved verification programs.
Overall, this revamped visa classification system represents a strategic move to enhance Saudi Arabia’s job market and better integrate skilled professionals into its economy.
Hamdan Al-Turki Returns to Saudi Arabia After 19 Years in U.S. Prisons
Gulf Trick
Hamdan Al-Turki, a Saudi national, has returned to the Kingdom after spending nearly three months in the U.S. following his release from prison, where he served 19 years.
Conviction: Al-Turki was convicted in 2006 in Colorado on charges of unlawful imprisonment and abuse of his Indonesian housekeeper.
International Attention: The case garnered significant media coverage, with supporters arguing that it reflected post-9/11 anti-Muslim bias within the U.S. legal system. Al-Turki consistently denied all charges against him.
On May 9, 2025, a Colorado court closed the case and cleared Al-Turki of his previous sentence during a hearing attended by his family and legal representatives from the Saudi Embassy in Washington.
Following this decision, he was placed in an immigration detention facility while awaiting repatriation.
Family Reaction
Confirming his father’s departure, Al-Turki’s son, Turki, expressed gratitude on social media:
“Alhamdulillah for the completion of this blessing. Our father Hamdan Al-Turki is headed to the homeland. We thank God first, and then express our deepest gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.”
He also acknowledged the pivotal role of the Saudi Embassy in facilitating his father’s return.
Professional Background
At the time of his arrest, Al-Turki was a professor of linguistics and had been sentenced to 28 years in a maximum-security facility. His release at the age of 56 marks the conclusion of a nearly two-decade legal battle that has sparked ongoing discussions about legal fairness and civil rights.
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Saudi Arabia Enables Free Nusuk App Without Internet
Gulf Trick
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that full access to the Nusuk app is now available without consuming mobile data, in collaboration with Saudi telecom operators STC, Mobily, and Zain.
This initiative aims to ease the journeys of pilgrims and enhance their digital experience for Hajj and Umrah services.
Free Access: SIM card users in the Kingdom—citizens, residents, and visitors—can utilize all Nusuk services without needing an active data plan or internet connection.
According to Dr. Ghassan Al-Nouaimi, the ministry spokesperson, this initiative marks a significant step in enabling seamless movement between services for pilgrims and visitors.
Enhancements to the Experience
Crowd Management: Improves the management of crowds during peak times.
Instant Access: Provides essential information quickly and efficiently.
Reduced Lost Visitors: Helps minimize the number of visitors who get lost.
Faster Permit Verification: Streamlines the verification process for permits.
Commitment to Digital Transformation
Eng. Ahmed Al-Maiman, CEO of Nusuk, emphasized that this collaboration significantly boosts the digital experience for pilgrims and visitors, facilitating their journeys for Hajj, Umrah, or visits to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah.
The initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to advancing digital transformation in Hajj and Umrah services, ensuring easy and barrier-free access to essential services through a fully integrated technical infrastructure.
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