Strict Saudi Visa Strategy Effective, Pilgrim Movement Orderly – Izelan Basar

By Massita Ahmad

MAKKAH, June 5 (Bernama) -- The strict visa control strategy enforced by the Saudi Arabian government for this year's Hajj season has proven highly effective, ensuring that only authorised pilgrims are permitted to perform the pilgrimage.

Media Facilitator and Head of the Malaysian Hajj Media Delegation 2025, Datuk Izelan Basar, said his personal observations revealed a stark improvement compared to previous years, particularly in the management of pilgrims en route to Arafah.

An estimated 1.8 million Muslims from around the world are performing Hajj this year, with the majority already gathered in Arafah for the wukuf ritual on Thursday (June 5).

"From a personal perspective, I saw a significant difference. In the past, we would come to Arafah and see people walking along the roadside, some sleeping or lying down.

"But this year, with the excellent strategy and formula implemented by the Saudi government, I didn't see anyone walking. Every pilgrim is required to travel by bus, and if they don't, they will be detained," he told Malaysian media here.

According to Izelan, such detentions typically involved individuals who did not possess valid Hajj visas, adding that these firm measures are part of Saudi Arabia's nationwide awareness campaign, "No Hajj Without a Permit."

For the first time, the Saudi Civil Defence has also deployed an AI-powered drone, "Saqr" (Falcon), to detect and intercept unauthorised pilgrims, reinforcing the "No Hajj Without a Permit" campaign.

"I see this system as a major advantage. Pilgrim movements are now neat, clean, well-organised, and easily planned. Unlike in past years, where some attempted to sneak in without a visa, everything this year appears orderly and controlled," he said.

He explained that entry into Makkah is now heavily guarded, with at least four roadblocks checking each pilgrim's documentation individually.

"Imagine, just to enter Makkah, you face four or five roadblocks. Pilgrims travel by bus and are checked one by one. Their data is then verified again at subsequent checkpoints. The process is repeated to ensure that everyone truly has a valid Hajj visa."

"If you don't have a visa, forget about trying to walk in. You will definitely be stopped. So this system is clearly effective. Those who made it here this year definitely possess legitimate Hajj visas."

Apart from visa enforcement, he also commended the improvements in the management of pilgrim logistics and safety.

"Facilities are well arranged, escorts are well coordinated, and each bus has a designated manager to oversee the pilgrims' movement. From a media perspective, Alhamdulillah, we are comfortable and able to perform our duties smoothly," he said.

Izelan, who has eight years of experience coordinating media coverage during the Hajj, said this year's experience was noticeably more peaceful, with reduced congestion and smoother journeys for the pilgrims.

"The organisation is excellent. Even regular pilgrims arriving early are required to take the designated buses and are dropped off at specific locations. I hope other sites such as Mina and Muzdalifah will continue to be managed as well as this."

He also shared how visa checks were enforced even when entering the Masjidil Haram.

"When entering the Masjidil Haram, we are required to show our visa. That's where the control begins. Those with bad intentions or no visa find it very difficult to get through," he added.

He advised Malaysian pilgrims not to be deceived by false offers promising pilgrimage without an authorised visa.

"My advice is to follow the correct procedures. God willing, by adhering to the right channels, we will gain blessings and mercy and our Hajj will be accepted by the Almighty," he said.

The Saudi government had earlier announced that the wukuf ritual will fall on Thursday, 9 Zulhijjah (5 June), while Friday will mark the first day of Aidiladha in the kingdom.

-- BERNAMA