Umrah visa cut to reduce congestion
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Saudi Arabia recently announced its decision to reduce number of foreign pilgrims arriving for Umrah during the peak Ramadan season, as reported in Arab News. This step was being undertaken to ensure number would not exceed 500,000 a day in Makkah and Madinah.
Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar also announced that the issuance of Umrah visas would be stopped by mid-Ramadan. Both measures are aimed at reducing congestion at the Grand Mosque in Makkah where expansion work is in progress.
The early announcement would enable Umrah service providers in Saudi Arabia and foreign countries to plan their programs accordingly. During the last Umrah season, operators and hotels had suffered big losses because of late information about the government decision to cut pilgrims’ number.
Hajjar mentioned that the percentage of Umrah pilgrims who overstay their visas is on the decrease as a result of efforts made by authorities. Only 0.1 percent of pilgrims failed to leave the Kingdom during the last season, said Hajjar. The minister also said that a penalty system would be drafted for airlines who fail to ensure that pilgrims scheduled for departure on their flights are flown out.
Hajjar said a link is being developed between the ministry and Umrah companies for more effective tracking of pilgrims.
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