Good News for Umrah Pilgrims! Saudi Arabia Changes Visa Rules for Indian Muslims

For the convenience of Indian ‘Umrah’ pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has revised its visa rules and increased the number of dedicated flights to India. Under the new rules, Indian Muslims will not need a special visa for the Hajj and can perform the Hajj with a work or tourist visa, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah told Hindustan Times.

Changing visa rules would enable more Hindus to perform Umrah, the pilgrimage to Mecca, outside the month of Ramadan.

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In 2024, approximately 1.37 million Indian Muslims are expected to perform Umrah. Over 1.2 million pilgrims have already performed Umrah in 2023.

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During his visit to India, Tawfig Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah also praised the contribution of Indian expatriates to the economic and cultural enrichment of Saudi Arabia.

Read also: The first batch of 381 pilgrims from India set off on their journey to Saudi Arabia

Measures taken by Saudi Arabia to facilitate arrival of more Indian pilgrims

The number of direct flights from many Indian airports to Jeddah and Medina has increased. Apart from this, the Saudi Arabian government has negotiated several agreements to increase the number of dedicated flights from India, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah told HT’s Rezaul H. Laskar.

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In addition to increasing flight frequencies between the two countries, Saudi Airlines has seen strategic seat growth. Efforts have been made to meet the growing demand for Umrah pilgrimage.

The change in Umrah visa rules for Indian Muslims has removed the restrictions imposed by their previous visa status. They can also avail the user-friendly e-visa system. Other important adjustments include the extension of Umrah visa to 90 days, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah told HT. Apart from this, Hindus who wish to perform Umrah can obtain a demurrage visa.

Read also: Saudi Arabia lifts restrictions on hajj pilgrims – Here’s what’s changed

These measures will help Indian pilgrims by increasing flexibility during their journey. This will primarily benefit women who are planning a pilgrimage themselves. This move would promote gender equality and create a safer, more welcoming environment.