(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) PESHAWAR: Saudi Arabia has directed the Pakistani pilgrims going for Hajj and Umrah to complete the biometric verification process in Pakistan before travelling to the kingdom.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a circular which states that pilgrims in countries with biometric enrollment centres for Hajj and Umrah, such as Pakistan, must complete the mandatory biometric registration locally after obtaining Hajj or Umrah visa.
The Saudi ministry says the step has been taken to facilitate the pilgrims. It will save the waiting time at the airports and facilitate a smooth entrance of the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Recently, the kingdom had to send back hundreds of visitors to the country from the airport as they did not follow the correct visa procedures. Saudi officials said the pilgirms must apply for the right category of visa through the travel agents registered with the country's Hajj and Umrah Committees to avoid such unfortunate incidents in future. The newly-introduced tourist e-visa cannot be used to enter the kingdom to perform Hajj or Umrah. The tourism visa is meant only for tourists who want to attend sports or cultural events in the kingdom. Some people who enter Saudi Arabia without proper visa face fines and deportation.
Saudi officials said biometric verification at local level may take about 10 minutes in pre-booking arrangement, but verification at airports may take several hours depending upon the length of queues outside the verification desk.
The directions for biometric verification came few days after the kingdom through a royal decree cancelled repeat Umrah fees for pilgrims. After this royal decree, the pilgrims will not have to pay any visa fees on a second Umrah in a year.
Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr Mohammad Salih Bentin thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for issuing a royal decree restructuring visit, Haj and transit visas, including the cancellation of repeat Umrah fees.
The minister said the decree reflects the kingdom's willingness to receive the increasing number of pilgrims due to huge infrastructure projects and the development of services in Makkah, Madina and the holy places. He said maximum facilities will be provided to the pilgrims.
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