Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has announced that six categories of eligible individuals can obtain permits to enter Mecca during the Hajj season through the Absher Individuals platform.

The categories include Premium Residency holders, investors, GCC citizens, non-Saudi mothers of Saudi citizens, non-Saudi family members and domestic workers. The service enables applicants to secure entry permits electronically through a simplified process.

The move comes as security authorities enforce strict regulations governing access to Mecca and the holy sites during Hajj. Since April 19, residents without permits have been barred from entering, with entry limited to those holding authorised work permits in Mecca, residency issued in the city, or official Hajj permits.

Saudi Public Security said entry permits for expatriate workers are issued electronically via Absher and the Muqeem portal, in integration with the unified Hajj permit platform, Tasreeh.

Authorities confirmed that applications are processed entirely online, with no requirement to visit passport offices in person.

GN

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has begun enforcing new decisions to raise Saudisation rates in marketing and sales professions to 60 per cent, following the end of a grace period for private sector firms.

The measures, effective from Sunday, April 19, form part of wider efforts to create more employment opportunities for Saudi men and women across the Kingdom.

The rules apply to private sector establishments employing three or more workers in the targeted roles, with a minimum monthly wage of SR5,500 required for Saudi employees to be counted within Saudisation quotas in marketing professions.

The rulw covers at least 20 roles, including marketing manager, advertising manager, graphic designer, public relations specialist and photographer, as well as sales positions such as sales manager, retail and wholesale representatives, and IT and communications equipment sales specialists.

The ministry has published detailed procedural guidelines on its website, outlining the professions covered, implementation mechanisms and calculation methods, as well as penalties for non-compliance.

GN

Construction has begun at the Expo 2030 Riyadh site, Saudi authorities said, as the Kingdom updated the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on progress across the project during a meeting in Paris.

The Kingdom’s delegation, led by Adel Al Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Commissioner General of Expo 20230 Riyadh, outlined developments in infrastructure, construction, design and master planning, alongside ongoing work on the Expo’s main theme and subthemes.

Officials said progress also extended to communication and marketing efforts, with a growing number of countries confirming their participation, reflecting increasing international confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to deliver the event.

The briefing, delivered to the Bureau International des Expositions executive committee, highlighted the Expo’s role as a global platform aimed at addressing major challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Saudi Arabia said work on the site is accelerating as preparations gather pace, with a focus on ensuring a lasting legacy beyond the event.

GN