Saudi Gazette report
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced that over 1.2 million Umrah pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia because the begin of the present season on Dhul Hijjah 15, with guests coming from 109 international locations around the globe.
In a press release on Thursday, the ministry revealed a 30% improve within the variety of pilgrims coming into the Kingdom on Umrah visas in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months.
There was additionally a 27% rise within the variety of issued Umrah visas.
Greater than 4,200 contracts have been signed between native Umrah corporations and worldwide brokers, enhancing the operational readiness to serve pilgrims.
The season formally started on Dhul Hijjah 14, with visa issuance facilitated by the Nusuk platform, the unified digital gateway for presidency providers for pilgrims and guests.
Allow issuance by the platform started on Dhul Hijjah 15, permitting pilgrims to simply e book appointments and entry providers in a number of languages.
The ministry attributed the robust turnout to the success of this 12 months’s Hajj season, noting enhancements in operations, technical infrastructure, and repair integration.
It added that preparations for the Umrah season began early in coordination with related authorities to make sure easy procedures, expanded digital content material, and continued developments in hospitality and security requirements for pilgrims.