Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah has revealed that it offered services to 7 million Umrah performers, including 4 million who came on Umrah visas, during 2022.
The ministry noted that the policies of the Haj and Umrah system are based on the Saudi Vision 2030, which is based on the three pillars of a thriving economy, a vibrant society and an ambitious nation, said a Saudi Press Agency report.
The ministry said it released 13 awareness guides for pilgrims in 14 different languages as well as the Umrah comprehensive guide, which advises Umrah performers of all relevant religious, medical, and procedural information before their arrival.
The ministry also said the Umrah visa has been extended from 30 to 90 days, allowing for the visitors to travel throughout the Kingdom’s regions and cities in order to visit recently developed historical monuments and religious sites to enhance their experience.
It also launched the “Nusuk platform”, which includes 121 services to book and design the Umrah programme and issue visas electronically to residents of all countries of the world.
The ministry also stated that it aims to offer a registration service for ‘bio-signature characteristics’ for the quick issuance of online visas for five countries, including Britain, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Kuwait through Saudi Visa Bio smartphone application of the Saudi Foreign Ministry, in addition to launching a comprehensive insurance service for pilgrims and Umrah performers, which covers health emergencies, Covid-19, accidents and deaths, and cancellation or delay of flights.
