Makkah: Malaysians holding umrah or tourist visas are being strongly urged to depart Makkah before the Hajj season to avoid facing strict measures by Saudi Arabian authorities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Roslan Sharif, the Consul General of Malaysia in Jeddah, highlighted that individuals performing Hajj without valid permits risk serious consequences, including detention, deportation, fines, and blacklisting. These fines could reach up to RM20,000 per person. Companies or travel agencies involved in such violations may face fines up to RM100,000, along with penalties like asset and property seizures.

Roslan stressed that Malaysians planning to perform Hajj should secure a valid Hajj visa through official channels such as the Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH). He advised using only recognized platforms for Hajj registration and arrangements, cautioning against supporting any efforts to bring pilgrims without valid Hajj visas.

He further warned that pilgrims without Hajj visas would lack access to official facilities provided for registered pilgrims, such as medical services, food, and accommodation in Arafah and Mina. This situation not only endangers individuals but can also disrupt other pilgrims, as Islam calls for respecting laws and maintaining integrity, especially during sacred duties like Hajj.

Starting tomorrow, entry into Makkah will be limited to holders of valid Hajj visas, with the issuance of visas through the Nusuk platform being immediately suspended. Roslan urged Muslims in Malaysia to remain vigilant and not be deceived by travel agencies offering different types of visas to perform Hajj. He noted that many reports are received annually about Malaysian pilgrims being stranded due to invalid visas, either in the country or in the holy land, unable to perform Hajj.