SRINAGAR: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has started issuing electronic visas for post Hajj 2023 Umrah season, as part of its efforts to enable more Muslims to come to the Kingdom to perform the Umrah pilgrimage and facilitate its procedures for them.
Saudi Arabia had announced last week successful culmination of Hajj 2023. Close to 2 million Muslims from around the world participated in the annual pilgrimage to Makkah the key ritual of which was held on June 27, 2023.
As per the traditions till last year, Saudi Arabia issues visas for post Hajj Umrah from 1st of Muharram when most of the Hajj pilgrims leave the Kingdom.
This year however the Kingdom starts issuing the Umrah Visa two weeks in advance and in the middle of Dhul Hijjah. This comes along with raising the quality of Umrah services to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The ministry said that people who seek electronic visas can submit applications at the Nusuk platform: www.nusuk.sa so they can start arriving in the Kingdom by July 19 (that will likely coincide with 1st Muharram 1445 AH), according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Nusuk platform facilitates the arrival procedures for Muslims worldwide to visit Makkah and Madina, provides housing choices, residence and transportation services, in addition to easy access to a package of enrichment information and interactive maps in several languages.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah previously announced, in cooperation with the concerned authorities, that holders of tourist visas from the Gulf Cooperation Council of Arab states and holders of Schengen visa can book Umrah appointments via the Nusk application.
The Hajj and Umrah Ministry also facilitates procedures for holders of different types of visas.
Facilities provided by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to the Umrah performers are a part of new legislation that is recently adopted and include reducing the insurance fees for Umrah performers by 63% while maintaining the sustainability of health services for them, issuing the Umrah visa in less than 24 hours, and extending the Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 days, with no health requirements.
The updated procedures of Umrah also permit women to perform the Umrah without a male guardian (mahram). The new rules also allow Umrah performers to visit the unique sites of the Kingdom to learn about the country’s cultural diversity and enrich their religious and cultural experiences, the SPA said.