Jeddah: Saudi government has issued strict orders for Women Must Have a Male Guardian To Perform Hajj Under 45, ARY News reported.
Saudi authorities have decided to enforce the ‘mahram law’ (accompanied by a male guardian) for women below 45 years of age visiting to perform Hajj, according to the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA).
The Saudi civil aviation authority also strictly warned all airlines bringing Hajj pilgrims to the Kingdom to abide by the rules, otherwise, strict action would be taken.
The notification read, “Women under (45 years old) shall not board on Hajj flights unless accompanied by their male guardians listed on their Hajj visa. In this case, women will be deported on the same flight. Air careers will be fully responsible for cost-related.”
“Failure to comply with the circulars issued by the GACA is a violation of government orders and those responsible for violating legal procedures are held accountable,” it added.
Saudi authorities previously allowed women between the ages of 18 and 65 to attend Umrah without a mahram, but later revoked this decision.
The decision means that Muslim women outside of Saudi Arabia over the age of 45 can come to the Holy Land in the country to perform religious duties without a mahram, but not those under 45.
