No hike in visa fees for Haj & Umrah

Hyderabad: Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr Ausaf Sayeed on Thursday took to social media to assuage the concerns of Indian Muslims amid reports of hike in 'visa fee.'

In a statement on social media, he clarified that there is no increase in the visa fee for Haj and Umrah. His message comes after some media platforms in India had reported that hike in visa fee might affect pilgrimage.

The Ambassador clarified that in September, a royal decree by the Saudi government annulled the penalty of SAR (Saudi Arabian Riyal) 2,000 for pilgrims performing second or consecutive Umrah in less than a year.

According to Dr Sayeed, visa fee for Haj and Umrah is only SAR 300, which is equivalent to $80. The 1989 batch IFS officer also added that work on improving the experience of Haj and Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia has already begun.

Envoy meets Saudi Minister Dr Sayeed on Wednesday met the Saudi Minister of Haj & Umrah Dr Mohammed Saleh Bin Taher Benten to discuss the arrangements for Indian Hajis during Haj 2020.

Earlier this month, he called upon the Governor of Madina region, Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and expressed gratitude for the excellent arrangements for Indian Hajis in Madina. He said the governor shared futuristic plans for increasing the room capacity in Madina and introducing of a rapid transport system for the benefit of Haj and Umrah pilgrims.

During the interaction, the Governor said that in 2019, some 62,000 Indian pilgrims arrived at Madina Airport in the pre-Haj phase and around 75,000 departed. The Governor added that the Kingdom has also opened up tourist visas for several nationalities, which would be valid for one year. Multiple entries can be performed without going through a travel agent, he said.

"We are working with the Kingdom to extend similar facilities to bonafide Indian tourists, particularly those with valid US, UK and Schengen (26 countries of Europe) visas," he added.