Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Kuwait suspends Umrah visas

Manama: The embassy of Saudi Arabia in Kuwait has suspended issuing visas to perform Umrah, the minor pilgrimage, as the Umrah season drew to an end, Kuwaiti media reported.

The eight-month season starts in Safar, the second month of the Islamic calendar and ends in Ramadan, the ninth month. The other four months are used to ensure a smooth Haj (pilgrimage) for millions of people during the 12th month and Haj-related activities before and after the pilgrimage.

"We issued more than 275,000 Umrah visas in the last eight months for the residents of Kuwait and Iraq," Abdul Aziz Al Fayez, the Saudi ambassador in Kuwait, said.

The processing of visit and transit visas will not be affected by the decision, Arab Times reported.

"The embassy is keen on processing visa documents promptly to facilitate travel. Those keen on acquiring visit and transit visas are urged to submit their applications at the bureaus accredited by the embassy," he said.