Saudi authorities have warned visit visa holders to refrain from entering Makkah until the 21st of the next month amidst the Hajj season.

Radio Pakistan’s Correspondent Bilal Khan Mehsud reports from Makkah that the Saudi Interior Ministry has stated that visit visas do not entitle holders to perform Hajj.

Pakistani visitors currently in Saudi Arabia with visit visas are urged to avoid travel to Makkah during the designated period, as violators will be subject to hefty penalties.

This is part of the security and organizational measures being taken by the Interior Ministry to ensure the safety of legal pilgrims and facilitate their rituals with ease and comfort.

The ministry also announced fines amounting to 10,000 Saudi Riyals for violators, including Saudi citizens, expatriates, and visitors caught entering Makkah without a Hajj permit from the 2nd to the 20th of the next month.