Saudi Hajj India: Saudi Arabia’s Haj Minister has made an announcement which will benefit millions of Indian Muslims. In an interview, he has said that Indians going for Haj will no longer need a special visa. These measures are being said to be very beneficial for Indians.
A decision of Saudi Arabia is going to be of great benefit to millions of Muslims going on the holy Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia has changed its visa rules and along with this it has also increased the number of flights to India. The purpose of these decisions is to enable more and more Indian Muslims to perform ‘Umrah’ or to provide them facilities for pilgrimage outside Mecca in the month of Ramadan. Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Taufig bin Fauzan Al-Rabiah has told about these special things in an interview.
Expectations of 1.37 million Muslims
Rabia, who was on a visit to India, said in an interview to Hindustan Times that after these decisions, it is expected that 1.37 million Muslims of India will be able to perform Umrah in the year 2024. This figure was 1.2 million in the year 2023. Al Rabia said that Indians will not need any special visa for Umrah. Also, they will be able to undertake pilgrimage without work or tourist visa. Along with this, he praised the contribution of Indians in the economic and cultural prosperity of Saudi Arabia.
Visa restrictions ended
He said that agreements have been made to increase the number of flights to handle the huge number of pilgrims leaving India for Umrah. In this expansion, direct flights will start from many Indian airports to Jeddah and Medina so that there is no hindrance in the pilgrimage. In addition, Saudi Airlines has implemented a strategic increase in seat capacity in response to the increasing demand for Umrah pilgrimage. These measures are aimed at providing a pleasant experience to Indian travellers. Umrah visa rules for Indian Muslims have recently been changed. Under this, the restrictions imposed on the basis of their previous visa status have been abolished. Umrah Visa e-Visa system has also been started
Umrah visa for 90 days
E-Visa system has also been started. Under these changes the visa application process has been streamlined. These special changes also include extending the Umrah visa to 90 days. People wishing to perform Umrah can now obtain an entry visa within 48 hours. Apart from this, Indian travelers can also get permission to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia using their work, tourist or Umrah visa and with UK, US or Schengen visa or their stay in these countries. Additionally, Indians wishing to perform Umrah can also obtain a stopover visa.
