The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah revealed that it offered services to 7 million Umrah performers, including 4 million were on Umrah visas, during 2022, in light of the directives of the wise government, all human efforts and all potentials to facilitate procedures for Umrah performers to conduct their rituals easily. In a report, the ministry noted that the policies of the Hajj and Umrah system are based on the Saudi Vision 2030, which is based on the 3 pillars of a thriving economy, a vibrant society and an ambitious nation. The ministry disclosed the release of 13 awareness guides for pilgrims in 14 different languages as well as the Umrah comprehensive guide, which would advise Umrah performers of all relevant religious, medical, and procedural information before their arrival, adding that its achievements in the Umrah sector also included facilitating the performance of Umrah rituals and the visit for holders of all types of visas: tourist visa, instant visa on arrival, family visa, personal visa, and Schengen, UK and US visa holders", which were all issued electronically. The ministry also indicated that the Umrah visa had been extended from 30 to 90 days, allowing for travel throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's regions and cities in order to visit recently developed historical monuments and religious sites to enhance the experience of Umrah performers, in addition to the launch of the "Nusuk platform", which includes 121 services to book and design the Umrah program and issue visas electronically to all countries of the world, including Tajikistan. The ministry also stated that it aims to offer a registration service for "bio-signature characteristics" for the quick issuance of online visas for 5 countries, including Britain, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Kuwait" through Saudi Visa Bio smartphone application of the Saudi Foreign Ministry, in addition to launching a comprehensive insurance service for pilgrims and Umrah performers, which covers health emergencies, COVID-19 infections, accidents and deaths, and cancelling or delaying flights.
