It is great news that Saudi Arabia has opened to collect Umrah pilgrimage form from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that those who obtain tourist visas and commercial visas will now be allowed to submit papers (“Commercial and tourist visa holders can now perform Umrah,” Gulf Today, Aug.14).

Although, family visit visa holders from different nationalities can also perform Umrah by booking an appointment through the Eatmarna application via their relatives in the Kingdom during their visit to the Kingdom, by applying through the National Unified Visa Platform. We should appreciate the Saudi Ministry of Hajj as they did a fantastic job this time as they allowed children below the age of 5 to accompany parents during Umrah rituals.

The only thing we have to know that the visa applicants shall be from those countries that are included among the countries eligible for obtaining the electronic visa. Regarding those who are holders of American, UK and Schengen visas, their visas shall be valid, and bears an entry stamp from the issuing country. In a statement, the ministry commended the vigilance and efficiency of the security forces in Saudi Arabia, during their pursuit of a wanted person in Jeddah who detonated an explosive belt during the process of his arrest.

Abdul Ghafoor,
By email