The ministry has also introduced stricter regulations to prevent the unauthorized sale of seasonal work visas.
Saudi Arabia unveils new rules for seasonal work visas. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced an extension for seasonal work visas, allowing individuals to stay for an initial period of 90 days, with the option to extend for an additional 90 days.
The move is expected to facilitate the accommodation of millions of pilgrims and workers during the Hajj season.
The ministry has also introduced stricter regulations to prevent the unauthorized sale of seasonal work visas.
Companies or organisations found selling these visas will face a substantial fine of up to 50,000 riyals and risk being blacklisted for Hajj and Umrah services for up to five years.
Earlier this month, the Saudi government approved organisational regulations for temporary labour visas.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources said the step would provide high flexibility to the private sector to make use of the temporary visas according to its needs and labour market requirements, making the job market more attractive.
Hajj policy 2025: How costly will be pilgrimage next year?
The federal cabinet approved the Hajj policy for 2025 pilgrimage through a circulation summary.
As per the details, the official package for the pilgrims is expected to cost around Rs10,75,000 to Rs11,75,000.
The insiders also revealed that over 179,000 pilgrims from Pakistan will be able to perform Hajj in 2025.
The Hajj Policy 2025 also indicated the number of quotas reserved for different sectors such as the government and private operators — each getting a quota of 89,605 pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the quota reserved for the labour sector is around 1,000 pilgrims and around 300 for low income workers registered under Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).
Furthermore, next year’s long Hajj will cover 38 to 42 days and short Hajj will go on for 20 to 25 days, during which, children under 12-year-old will not be able to travel for the pilgrimage.
As for the Road to Makkah facility, it will be provided at airports of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi while women without their mehram will be able to perform Hajj on the terms of the Islamic Ideological Council.
