Abu Dhabi: Saudi authorities have shut down 540 Umrah agents after their pilgrims overstayed their visas, Saad Jamil Al Qurashi, former head of the Saudi Haj and Umrah Committee, said. Al Qurashi told Al Watan newspaper there were only about 100 Umrah companies operating, pointing out that COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have caused about 10,000 employees to be made redundant.
Each Umrah company employs about 20 employees at airports, checkpoints, hotels and companies' sites, in addition to more than 800 corporate managers, managing directors and executives.
Al Qurashi said the losses of Umrah companies are in the hundreds of millions of riyals and all the fines are related to the pilgrims’ overstaying of their visas, indicating that the fine for breaking the visa for one pilgrim is 25,000 riyals.
He demanded that the affected Umrah companies be allowed to resume their business, and that the reservations be treated as before, taking into account the COVID-19 circumstances, and the lack of reservations, which forced Umrah pilgrims to overstay their visas.
Al Qurashi pointed out that it is possible to take a pledge from each affected company not to repeat such violations and allow them to carry out their business, especially in light of the current pandemic situation, the small number of pilgrims and the delay in the reopening of flights.
Meantime, a number of Umrah companies appealed to authorities to take into account the burdens they incurred in the current circumstances and to revise the rules accordingly.
Who can go for Umrah?
Pilgrims between the ages of 18 and up to 50 years old can apply to go, via a registered agent. They definitely need a PCR test issued, max 72 hrs prior to landing in Saudi Arabia. They will also need a Fit to Fly Certificate.
Quarantine is required
Pilgrims will book a package with their agent for a three day quarantine period in their hotels with full board. Their transport will also be scheduled with the agents to take them from the airport to their hotels and then Mecca and Medinah.
Group size
The maximum group size for Umrah is 25-50 people and they will need to have their own lead on the ground as well. Bookings cannot be cancelled or changed.
Because the application is done online and to make sure that everything is accurate pilgrims cannot cancel or change their bookings for Umrah packages in short notice. Agents will need to enter pilgrims’ names and details into an app 24hrs prior to their travelling.
Booking slots for Masjid Al Nabawi and Al Haram
Pilgrims’ agents will have to register their intention on the I’tamarna app for when they visit.
