RIYADH: Saudi government has reduced the Umrah visa duration up to 15 days and also informed all visa providing companies to follow the rule strictly.
Haj Minister Abdullah Marghalani said that the instructions were conveyed in written to all companies.
“Earlier we used to inform the companies of these instructions verbally but now we have conveyed them officially in written form,” he said.
He also warned companies that do not stand against the new rules could face sanctions including not receiving any Umrah visas in the future.
“A number of Islamic countries have reacted positively to the new system and have expanded their visa granting procedures,” he said.
