Pakistan, April 14 -- Saudi Arabia has announced strict new entry and stay regulations for Makkah ahead of the Hajj season, limiting access exclusively to Hajj visa holders from April 18.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has declared that no one except Hajj visa holders will be allowed to stay in Makkah after April 18.

The ministry said that individuals holding Umrah visas, visit visas, or any other type of visa must leave Makkah by April 18.

Authorities warned that staying in Makkah after the deadline without a Hajj visa will be considered a legal offense. Violators could face heavy fines and imprisonment, the ministry said, emphasizing strict enforcement of the rules.

In addition to the stay restrictions, the ministry has also imposed...