The Saudi authorities have allowed the only those pilgrims to perform Umrah this year, who will have the valid (confirmed) return tickets. The step has been taken to avoid rush at Saudi airports and ensure smooth conduct of Umrah season started from January 25. This year, a record 4.7 million pilgrims will perform Umrah from all over the world, official sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs told APP on Wednesday.
The sources said that the Saudi government has chalked out a 34-point strategy for the Umrah season with the focus to ensure provision of maximum facilities to 'Zaireen'. There will be strict monitoring of the services being provided to the pilgrims from their arrival to departure from Saudi Arabia including transportation and accommodation.
When asked about the ministry's role in Umrah-operation, the sources said it has no role in making arrangements for Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Recently, they said, the ministry had tried to take over the control of Umrah and Ziarat operations to ensure maximum facilities to intending pilgrims at reasonable packages, but the 'influential travel agents' foiled it. A draft of Umrah and Ziarat Act, which was aimed at evolving a mechanism of 'checks and balances' over the packages offered by travel agents independently for Umrah and Ziarat. But, it was rejected by the concerned quarters, the sources added.