Saudi Arabia revokes Hajj, Umrah visa fees

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a royal command that will withdraw Hajj and Umrah visa fees beginning from this year, stated Nasir Toruk, the High Committee for Hajj and Umrah’s member. The Middle East Monitor cites Alborsa News as reporting that the decision to do away with the newly enforced hike was in reaction to the protests of the Muslim community in Egypt and other countries, which felt that the fees were exorbitant. In addition to this decision, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would issue two free visas for all licensed companies working for the Hajj and Umrah. In a different development, the Saudi government asked the Egyptians to overhaul the body which manages in the Mediterranean country the companies that handle religious tourism. Basel Al-Sisi, ex-head of Egypt’s Religious Tourism Committee, said that the withdrawal of the fees would boost the religious tourism sector and added that the Arab country’s move was a step in the right direction. Al-Sisi stated that he was, however, awaiting an official confirmation from the Saudi authorities, despite an official comment being made by Toruk. If you are looking to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj or Umrah, contact Y-Axis to avail its guidance services to file for a visa.