Q. What is the purpose of your visit to India?

A. During my time in India, I will have the opportunity to witness the inauguration of the “Nusuk” platform exhibition to showcase advancements in electronic services tailored for pilgrims. The platform’s primary objective is to elevate the Umrah experience, offering a range of digital services and resources designed to enhance the spiritual journey of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Medinah.

“Nusuk” also seeks to introduce pilgrims to historical and Islamic landmarks in these sacred cities, emphasising their visit’s cultural and spiritual significance. The event will showcase a collective effort to maximise the impact of the pilgrimage, providing innovative tools and services to support Umrah performers throughout their journey.

Q. What measures have been taken to facilitate the arrival of more Indian pilgrims? Could you shed light on recent changes and how they impact their experience?

A. To accommodate a larger number of Umrah pilgrims, agreements have been brokered to augment the number of dedicated flights catering to pilgrims from India. This expansion encompasses the introduction of direct flights from multiple Indian airports to Jeddah and Madinah, facilitating seamless travel.

Additionally, a strategic increase in seat capacity on Saudi Airlines has been implemented, mirroring the growing demand for Umrah pilgrimage. These collective measures aim to streamline and enrich the experience for Indian travellers, underscoring a concerted effort to ensure a smooth and expedited journey for all Umrah participants from India.

Recent revisions to Umrah visa regulations for Indian Muslims mark a significant shift, notably eliminating restrictions based on their previous visa status and introducing a user-friendly e-visa system. These changes streamlined the visa application process, leading to accelerated approvals and fostering an environment of inclusivity and heightened security.

Noteworthy adaptations include extension of the Umrah visa to 90 days. To streamline Umrah visits, individuals looking to perform Umrah can now acquire an entry visa within 48 hours. Additionally, Indian travellers are authorised to undertake Umrah in Saudi Arabia using their work, tourist or Umrah visas and with a UK, US or Schengen visa or residency in these countries. Furthermore, Indians keen on performing Umrah can obtain a stopover visa.

These measures are specifically designed to provide Indian pilgrims with enhanced flexibility throughout their journey, particularly benefiting women embarking on independent Umrah trips. By promoting gender equality and cultivating a safer, more embracing environment, these changes collectively aim to ensure a more fulfilling and secure pilgrimage experience for all travellers.

Q. Could you shed some light on the significance of initiatives like the “Tasheer” centre and how it contributes to serving Indian pilgrims?

A. Introducing the “Tasheer” centre marks a significant milestone in catering to Umrah pilgrims from India, offering expedited and seamless visa services. This initiative underscores a steadfast dedication to elevating service standards and harnessing technology to serve pilgrims efficiently.

Aligned with the core goals of the Pilgrims Experience Program, a pivotal aspect of Saudi Vision 2030, the establishment of the “Tasheer” centre exemplifies the ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s commitment to continually enhance the pilgrimage experience for all visitors to Saudi Arabia, regardless of the type of visa held. This progressive step epitomises a concerted effort to streamline the visa process, ensuring a hassle-free and convenient journey for Umrah pilgrims from India.

Source: Hindustan Times