Saudi Arabia is preparing to introduce a new change to its Umrah visa system under which a mandatory meal voucher will be included as part of the Umrah visa, similar to the existing compulsory transportation requirement. The move is expected to increase the overall cost of an Umrah visa.
According to sources, under the proposed system, each Umrah pilgrim will be charged an additional SAR 20 per day, depending on the duration of their stay. The amount will be directly included in the Umrah visa fee.
Reports suggest the new system will come into effect from 1 Rabi’ al-Awwal. In the initial phase, it will apply only to Umrah pilgrims arriving from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Egypt.
As part of the initiative, more than 10,000 local Saudi restaurants are being integrated with the Nusuk app. Each pilgrim will be issued a dedicated BRN code for meals, which must be linked to the Umrah visa system before the visa can be issued.
However, the relevant Saudi authorities have not yet issued an official detailed announcement regarding the proposed changes. Further clarification and the complete implementation procedure are expected once the system is formally announced.
The proposed move is aimed at streamlining standard meal arrangements for Umrah pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia and ensuring access to approved food services. However, until an official notification is issued by the Saudi authorities, the reported changes remain public speculations only, and pilgrims are advised to follow updates released through official channels.
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