According to a source, Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome as many as 10 million Muslim pilgrims from around the world to do the Umrah, a minor pilgrimage. Unnamed sources told that the kingdom expects to welcome 10 million foreign pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Mecca beginning in the Islamic lunar month of Al Muharram, which begins later this month.
According to the report, over 300 service providers have applied for and been granted relevant licenses. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced last week that electronic visas were now being issued for the new season of Umrah, which begins after the annual Hajj pilgrimage concludes.
To apply for a visa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends visiting https://www.nusuk.sa/ar/about.
The Umrah season will begin soon
Beginning on the first of Al Muharram, those who have been granted visas to enter the kingdom in order to do Umrah can do so. Muslims from all around the world can use the Nusuk portal to streamline the processes , including booking accommodations. They will be able to perform the religious duty then.
Millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia every year to perform the Umrah ceremonies instead of the more expensive and time-consuming Hajj. Many new services have been revealed in recent months to accommodate the influx of foreign Muslims visiting the kingdom to do the Umrah.
After scheduling an online appointment, Muslims with entrance visas like personal, visit, and tourist can perform Umrah at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, where the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is located. The Saudi government has increased the validity of visas from 30 to 90 days and made it possible for visa holders to enter and exit the country through any airport.
The monarchy has also announced that all foreign nationals currently residing in Gulf Cooperation Council countries are entitled to apply for a tourist visa and undertake Umrah, regardless of their occupation. Visitors with visas from the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom can schedule their visits to Al Rawda Al Sharifa in advance using the Nusuk app.
To read our article about “Hajj completion certificates 2023 now available in Saudia” click here.