By Alimatu Jalloh
The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced new restrictions imposed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the 1446/2025 Hajj season. Among the measures, Embassy staff and other volunteers from the Sierra Leonean community in Saudi Arabia will no longer be permitted to assist the Presidential Hajj Taskforce at the sacred sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
The restrictions follow fatalities recorded during the previous Hajj season, prompting Saudi authorities to implement a quota system for participating countries. Sierra Leone has been allocated a quota of 2,000 pilgrims, with only 20 spaces (1%) designated for support staff. However, Embassy personnel and volunteers will not be included in this allocation.
As part of enforcement measures, Saudi authorities have warned of severe penalties for unauthorized personnel accompanying pilgrims to the holy sites. These penalties include:
- Declaration as “persona non grata” for diplomatic agents
- Imprisonment
- Deportation
- Fines of up to 250,000 Saudi Riyals ($67,000 USD)
The Sierra Leone Embassy has expressed regret over the restrictions but reassured pilgrims that efforts are being made to provide necessary support during the Hajj in Makkah.
Meanwhile, the Embassy has urged all Sierra Leonean nationals in Saudi Arabia to adhere to the regulations to avoid penalties.
For further inquiries, individuals can contact Abubakarr Bah, Information Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Saudi Arabia.