The official spokesperson for the Saudi Public Security Department, Brigadier General Sami Al-Shuwairekh, announced that residents who do not have an entry permit will not be allowed to enter Mecca as of Thursday.

According to reports by the Saudi Press Agency, Shuwairekh explained that this came in implementation of the instructions regulating the pilgrimage, which require that residents wishing to enter the holy capital obtain a permit from the competent authorities as of Thursday.

Those who will be allowed entry must have one of the following documents: an entry permit to work in the Holy Sites issued by the competent authority, a resident ID issued by the Holy Capital, an Umrah permit and a Hajj permit.