JEDDAH: NADIM AL-HAMID

The Kingdom has plans in place to receive 6 million Umrah pilgrims this year, up from the over five million who came last season, according to Bandar Hajjar, minister of Haj.

Hajjar said the Umrah season starts at the beginning of Safar, or Dec. 9. The ministry has begun receiving Umrah visa applications through its global electronic network, which is linked directly to the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies.

Hajjar said the government expects more than 6 million pilgrims in the nine months ahead. He said more than 50 Umrah companies would be allowed to provide services for these pilgrims and oversee their accommodation in hotels and other housing units in Makkah and Madinah.

The ministry would ensure Umrah companies and institutions follow government regulations. Hajjar said the ministry would not grant companies visas unless they confirm their service packages. The Umrah Information Center would facilitate and control the arrival of millions of pilgrims from around the world.

He said the ministry would also oversee pilgrims leaving the country according to an approved schedule to prevent delays. This would take place through an electronic monitoring system. Pilgrims, he said, would travel from their accommodation to the airports at set times.

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