Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 08-09-2019

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have issued a royal decree restructuring Hajj and transit visas including the cancellation of repeat Umrah visa fees.

The news has been welcomed by pilgrims wanting to travel for repeat Umrah’s to Saudi Arabia as Arab News reports that Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minster Dr. Mohammad Salih Bentin, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the move.

Bentin says the decree reflects the Kingdom’s readiness to receive the increasing number of pilgrims due to huge infrastructure projects and the development of services in Makkah, Madinah and the holy places.

 “The royal decree is part of the leadership’s keenness to facilitate the arrival of Muslims from all over the world to perform Hajj and Umrah.”

Before the decree, pilgrims wanting to perform a repeat Umrah in a Hijri year had to pay about SAR 2,000 for a visa.   

Benten says the decree supports efforts to achieve one of the most important objectives of the Vision 2030 reform plan, which is to receive 30 million Umrah pilgrims by that year and to provide them with services so they can perform their rituals in comfort and tranquility.