Saudi Arabia temporarily suspends the issuance of Umrah visas

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended the issuance of Umrah visas via the smartphone app “Nusuk” from May 23 to June 21.

The decision was confirmed by a statement from the ministry on the account of the “X” platform, reports VisaGuide.World.

The suspension means that all categories of tourist visa holders are prohibited from entering Mecca during this period to facilitate preparations for the 11:45 (Hijra) Hajj season.

In addition, the ministry stated that the practice of the fifth pillar of Islam is only permitted to holders of a Hajj visa, but at the same time reminded of severe penalties for violations of these regulations.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced the Nusuk application to enable those wishing to perform Umrah to obtain permits to enter the Two Holy Mosques.

To enter Saudi Arabia, pilgrims must have all the necessary documents, including passports, visas and Umrah permits, which they obtain through the Nusuk application.

Violations of Hajj and Umrah visas are a cause for concern

Both Umrah and Hajj are pilgrimages, however, they are not the same. A Hajj visa can only be obtained through the Nusuk Hajj website. Hajj visas are issued approximately two months before the period in which the pilgrimage is performed, unlike the Umrah pilgrimage, which can be performed throughout the year. This year, the Hajj period begins on June 14 and lasts until June 19.

Hajj visas are only valid for Medina and the areas dedicated to the holy rites.

Recently, the head of the Malaysian Hajj delegation, Datuk Seri Syed Salleh Syed Abdul Rahman, urged anyone who wishes to use other visas for the Hajj pilgrimage not to do so.

First, it is against TH laws and regulations because these people come with companies that do not have a license from TH. Second, they are also violating Saudi regulations and the Saudi government has issued a decree that using visas other than a Hajj visa to perform Hajj is not permissible according to our religion.

From March 1 to March 29, Saudi Arabia started issuing Hajj visas to Muslim pilgrims. In addition, it was reported that the authorities in Saudi Arabia have already issued licenses for a total of 1,860 buildings to accommodate pilgrims in Mecca. It is expected that about 1.2 million people will be accommodated there.