Saudi authorities have issued a new directive aimed at regulating the inflow of Umrah pilgrims, instructing all airlines to prohibit the boarding of passengers holding Umrah visas after the 15th of Shawwal each year.
This measure, part of broader efforts to streamline the management for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, is to be enforced with immediate effect.
According to a circular issued by Saudi Arabia’s General Aviation Authority, all carriers operating flights to the Kingdom have been explicitly warned not to allow boarding for Umrah visa holders after the specified date.
The aviation authority of Saudi Arabia has further warned that any violation of this directive will result in strict action against both the passengers and the airlines involved.
This policy aims to reduce logistical strain during the transition period leading up to Hajj season, allowing Saudi authorities to better accommodate the influx of Hajj pilgrims.
The cutoff date, the 15th of Shawwal in the Islamic lunar calendar, falls shortly after the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, which is typically a high-traffic period for Umrah visits.
Meanwhile, in a significant diplomatic development, Saudi Arabia has approved an additional Hajj quota of 10,000 pilgrims for Pakistan.
The increase came in response to a special request made by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The extra quota has been granted to accommodate Pakistani pilgrims who missed the initial registration deadline.
With this latest increase, Pakistan’s official Hajj quota for the year has reached a total of 189,210 pilgrims.
Pakistani authorities have expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for the gesture, which will enable thousands more to fulfill their spiritual obligations this year.