No children allowed, preference to first-time pilgrims: Saudi Arabia unveils new Hajj rules

Ahead of the upcoming Hajj in June 2025, Saudi Arabia has introduced several changes to manage the issue of overcrowding. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that pilgrims are not allowed to bring children to the pilgrimage this year. The move aims to ensure the safety of kids from potential risks associated with overwhelming congestion.

"This step has been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to mitigate any potential harm during the hajj pilgrimage," it added. The ministry added that priority will be given to first-time pilgrims for Hajj this year.

Alongside the children ban, the country has also implemented stricter visa rules. According to reports, it has indefinitely prohibited one-year multi-entry visas for tourism, business and family trips from selected countries.

Applicable from February 1, people from 14 nations, including India, are eligible for single-entry visas, valid for 30 days. This new rule will affect individuals visiting from several countries like Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Pakistan , Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

The effort attempts to reduce the practice of taking unauthorised Hajj pilgrimages, which leads to overcrowding.

Several people with multiple entry visas for Saudi Arabia enter the country during the holy occasion and visit the pilgrimage without registering. Subsequently, pilgrimage locations endure considerable overcrowding during Hajj.

Under the new visa policy, pilgrims will have to go through a more complicated and expensive process to get to the holy site.

Registration for the Hajj season 2025 has officially begun. Saudi citizens and residents can sign up using the Nusuk app or the official website. As per the revised rule, applicants must verify their details and register any companions they are travelling with.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also highlighted the importance of preparation before the commencement of Hajj package sales, which are currently available via the Nusuk app. It has also introduced a new instalment-based payment option through which domestic pilgrims can pay for their Hajj in three instalments.

In 2025, the Hajj season is anticipated to take place from June 4 to 6, which will depend on the moon sighting.

(CNBCTV18)