The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended the issuance of Umrah visas through the “Nusuk” smartphone application from May 23 until June 21.
The decision has been confirmed through a statement on the “X” platform account made by the Ministry, VisaGuide.World reports.
The suspension means that all categories of tourist visa holders are banned from entering Makkah during this period in order to facilitate preparations for the 1145 Hijrah Hajj season.
In addition, the Ministry said that only Hajj visa holders are allowed to perform the fifth pillar of Islam while reminding about strict penalties for those violating the rules.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced the Nusuk application to allow those planning to perform Umrah to obtain permits in order to enter the Two Holy Mosques.
In order to enter Saudi Arabia, pilgrims are required to hold all the needed documents, including passports, visas and Umrah permits obtained through the Nusuk application.
Law Violations Related to Hajj and Umrah Visas Spark Concerns
Both Umrah and Hajj are pilgrimages, however, they are not the same. The only way possible to obtain a Hajj visa is through the Nusuk Hajj website. Hajj visas are issued about two months before the period during which it is performed, in contrast to the Umrah pilgrimage which can be done at any time throughout the year. This year, the Hajj period begins on June 14 until June 19.
Hajj visas are only valid for Medina and the territories dedicated to the sacred rites.
Recently, Malaysian Hajj Delegation Head, Datuk Seri Syed Salleh Syed Abdul Rahman called on those planning to use other visas for the Hajj pilgrimage, not to do so.
Firstly, it violates TH’s laws and regulations as these individuals come with companies not licensed by TH. Secondly, they are also breaking Saudi regulations, and the Saudi government has issued a ruling that using visas other than Hajj visas to perform Hajj is not permissible according to our religion.
From March 1 until March 29, Saudi Arabia started the issuance of Hajj visas to Muslim pilgrims. In addition, it was reported that authorities in Saudi Arabia have already granted licenses for a total of 1,860 buildings in order to accommodate pilgrims in Mecca, who are expected to house about 1.2 million people.