Saudi citizens and expatriates residing in the Kingdom, as well as nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council states, are permitted to perform Umrah until May 3, according to the Saudi Gazette.
These Umrah pilgrims are not required to obtain a Hajj permit to enter Makkah and carry out their rituals.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has recently designated 1 Dhul Qada (April 19) as the final departure deadline for pilgrims who entered on Umrah visa.
This measure coincides with the onset of the annual Hajj season, as pilgrims from abroad begin arriving in Makkah and Madinah.
Currently, large crowds of Saudi citizens and expatriates are converging on the Grand Mosque in Makkah, seizing the final window for domestic Umrah pilgrims ahead of the Hajj season.
The occupancy rates of hotels surrounding the Grand Mosque have seen remarkable increase due to the high number of arrivals into Makkah from several regions and governorates across the Kingdom, particularly over the weekend.
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