Umrah operators in Bahrain in jeopardy after Saudi visa norms change

TDT | Manama                                                                              

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter  

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year perform Umrah, which has been a substantial business segment for the travel agents, yet a decision made by “Saudi officials without consulting them has emerged a new cause of concern for them”.

The development comes in light of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announcing that those who obtained tourist visas and commercial visas will now be allowed to perform the Umrah pilgrimage during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

With Saudi Arabia opening its borders after the ceasing of pandemic threat, travel agents were reaping profits by delivering many packages to Saudi including the special Umrah packages; but now the new norm, they say, have put them in jeopardy.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, a travel agent, who doesn’t want to be named, said that the new rule change would adversely affect the business as the pilgrims would now opt for the tourist visa route.

“Until now, we had regular customers who were approaching us for Umrah travel-related requirements; but the rule change will lead to not many knocking our doors. We are worried about losing existing customers along with potential ones.

The Daily Tribune quoted another agent, as saying, “It is, of course, harming our business, but we want the pilgrims to travel with ease and that’s why we were focusing on holistic travel services encompassing visa, food, health insurance, transportation and lodging, among others.

“We are pleading to the Saudi authorities to understand our concerns and support us with adequate solutions that will benefit both the pilgrims and the tourism industry,” he said. The new travel facility is now accessible to 49 different nationalities.

It is learnt that the decision has been taken by the Saudi authorities to facilitate as many people who aspire to perform Umrah. They can obtain their visas online through the ‘Visit Saudi Arabia’ portal or receive visas on arrival at Saudi airports.

Those who wish to perform Umrah from nations that have not been listed, should apply for visas at the Kingdom’s embassies in their respective countries. To perform Umrah, it is required for visitors to obtain comprehensive health insurance, which includes coverage of treatment costs of coronavirus infection; accidents resulting in death or disability and expense due to flight delays or cancellations, and other matters.

The Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year, in contrast to the Hajj, which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar.