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Saudi Arabia’s government has announced significant changes to Umrah rules, allowing Muslims worldwide to perform the pilgrimage more easily.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in a social media update, stated that individuals with various visa types can now undertake Umrah.
Read more: Iran to Send Umrah Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia After Nine-Year Hiatus
“Regardless of visa type, Umrah is accessible to all,” the ministry emphasized, including personal, family, transit, labor, and e-visas.
Muslims can obtain Umrah permits via the Nusuk app, benefiting from relaxed regulations for performing the religious rites.Previously, Umrah visas were set to expire on Dhul Qadah 29, but this has been adjusted to Dhul Qadah 15 to ensure a smoother pilgrimage flow to Makkah and Madinah.
Responding to inquiries, the ministry clarified that the three-month Umrah visa’s validity starts from its issuance date, not from entry into Saudi Arabia. The visa must expire by Dhul Qadah 15, as coordinated between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Saudi Arabia is currently organizing arrangements for the upcoming Hajj scheduled for June. In 2023, Pakistan’s Hajj quota was restored to pre-pandemic levels, with 179,210 pilgrims and the removal of the upper age limit of 65. For Hajj 2024, over 63,000 applicants were selected in a government scheme draw held in December 2023.
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