Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Minister Taufiq bin Fauzan Al-Rabiah has made this announcement. The announcement includes issuing visas within 48 hours and introducing 96-hour stopover visas.
There is good news for Indians performing Haj. Now they will get visa for Haj pilgrimage in just 48 hours. Saudi Arabia has taken several steps aimed at simplifying the pilgrimage process. Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Minister Taufiq bin Fauzan Al-Rabiah has made this announcement. The announcement includes issuance of visas within 48 hours and introduction of 96-hour stopover visa.
Umrah entry on different visas
Saudi Arabia has extended the privileges of Indian citizens to perform Umrah on business, tourism and Umrah visas. Minister Al-Rabiah highlighted that Indians traveling to the West or the Middle East can now obtain a 96-hour stopover visa at the same time as the ticket issuance process. This allows them to perform Umrah and visit any city in Saudi Arabia. Valid for 90 days, the Umrah visa allows holders to reside and travel to any city in the country.
Umrah pilgrims are increasing from India
Union Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan have welcomed this announcement of Minister Al-Rabiah. Now Umrah pilgrims from India are continuously increasing. In the year 2023, this number has increased to more than 12 lakhs, which has increased by 74% compared to 2022. Also, Minister Al-Rabiah discussed with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the facilities for Haj pilgrimage of Indian citizens.
Apart from this, the visiting Saudi minister also talked about increasing the options of direct flights for the convenience of the increasing number of Indian pilgrims. The move aims to ease the journey for Umrah pilgrims.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam
In the current Haj quota for 2023, around 1,75,000 Indians have traveled to Saudi Arabia for the holy pilgrimage. Hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, hence its importance increases even more.
