By GALAL FAKKAR | ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: Requests for visit visas so far are up 30 percent compared to the same period last year, according to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry’s branch in Jeddah is struggling to handle the number of foreigners wanting to bring their families ahead of the summer vacation and the fasting month of Ramadan.

According to staff there, this time is always busy, especially as customers want to fast with their families in Makkah and Madinah.

“Our waiting halls are teeming with visit visa seekers, especially from countries such as Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Sudan, Yemen, Pakistan and India,” said one staff member who did not want to be identified. read more