Saudi authorities will start issuing umra visas according to new regulations which will be in effect next month, reported the Arabic language Al Bayan.
The Emirari daily said that the new rules permit the issuance of umra visas throughout the year, except during the Haj season, and enables the visa holders to travel outside Mecca and Medina under the supevision of licensed offices.
As for offices outside the kingdom, they are required to deposit bank checks as a guarantee that their customers would abide by the regulations.
Moreover, according to the report, transit passengers at King Abdul Aziz Int.
Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Medina or at Jeddah Islamic Port will be allowed to perform umra and to visit the Prophets Mosque in Medina, added Al Bayan.
Applicants for umra visas were initially permitted to only stay for two weeks and were not allowed to travel outside the two holy cities – Albawaba.com
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