Saudi Arabia suspends issuance of Umrah Visas

RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has suspended the issuance of Umrah visas as it prepares for the annual Hajj season, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed on Friday.

The visa suspension, effective from May 23 to June 21, aims to facilitate arrangements for pilgrims. In a bid to ensure smooth operations, the ministry also announced a ban on all categories of tourist visa holders from entering Makkah during the same period.

With only Hajj visa holders permitted to perform the pilgrimage, strict measures have been introduced by the kingdom. In this regard, the Ministry of Interior has announced strict penalties, including fines of SR10,000, for violators attempting to enter Makkah without a valid Hajj permit.

Moreover, repeat offenders would face escalated fines up to SR100,000 and potential deportation. As Saudi Arabia prepares to welcome over 2 million pilgrims, authorities have introduced special tags to distinguish legal pilgrims, alongside the launch of the Nusuk Card containing comprehensive pilgrims’ data.

The government is making every possible effort to streamline Hajj operations and to introduce measures so that the pilgrims don’t have to face any hassle in the performance of the religious ritual. The Hajj is set to begin next month and the exact date would be announced following the sighting of the moon.