Saudi Arabia to receive 2m Haj pilgrims in 2023

Pandemic-induced restrictions on numbers lifted

Saudi Arabia is prepared to receive 2 million Muslim pilgrims at this year’s Haj as the kingdom has lifted pandemic-induced limits, a senior government official said.

The figure includes 41,300 pilgrims from Algeria, Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah Tawfiq Al Rabeah added during a visit to Algiers, Okaz newspaper reported.

The official cited facilities provided by Saudi Arabia for Muslims wishing to arrive in the kingdom to undertake Umrah or minor pilgrimage, including holders of different visas and issuance of related visas in less than 24 hours.

Referring to services targeting pilgrims, Al Rabeah mentioned SR200 billion projects designed to cope with an anticipated rise in numbers of pilgrims and a high-speed rail service linking the holy cities of Makkah and Medina.

Best services

“The ministry and all parties engaged in the Haj and Umrah system are keen to provide the best health and logistics services to all pilgrims in a way saving time and effort,” he said.

Saudi Arabia has said there will be no limits on the numbers of pilgrims from around the world for the upcoming

SR200b cost of project designed to cope with rise in numbers of pilgrims

Haj season, reversing earlier restrictions prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Electronic registration

Overseas individual pilgrims are expected soon to be allowed to apply for this year’s Haj via electronic registration, Saudi media reported.

In recent months, Saudi Arabia has unveiled a set of facilities for Muslims wishing to perform umrah and visit religious sites in the kingdom.

Muslims holding different types of entry visas such as the personal, visit and tourism visas are allowed to undertake Umrah.

Saudi Arabia recently launched an electronic platform, designed to facilitate access to Umrah services including visits to Makkah and Madinah.

Saudi authorities have also extended Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 and allowed holders to enter the kingdom via all land, air and sea outlets.

In yet a new facilitating step, Saudi Arabia has said its citizens can apply to invite their friends abroad to visit the kingdom and perform umrah.