Dubai: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued new guidelines for pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah during Ramadan.

The ministry retreated recently that pilgrims are no longer allowed to repeat Umrah and can only perform it once during the holy month. This move is to ensure that all pilgrims who wish to perform Umrah during Ramadan have the opportunity to do so with ease and comfort.

The Ministry emphasised the importance of obtaining a permit from the Nusuk app to perform Umrah and adhering to the specified time. Pilgrims can delete their appointment via the app before entering the permit time and can issue a new permit if they wish to change the date. However, there is no feature to amend the Umrah date.

‘Nusuk Hajj’ platform

The Ministry said that Umrah permits are available for Saudi citizens, residents, and foreigners with an active visa. Interested individuals are urged to obtain their permits early through Nusuk app and follow the specified date to perform their Umrah. The Nusuk app can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Furthermore, those coming from abroad must ensure that they do not have COVID-19 or have been in contact with an infected person, as the ministry is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of Umrah pilgrims.

Going for Hajj in 2023? Here’s how you can register online through ‘Nusuk Hajj’ platform

What is ‘Nusuk Hajj’ and how does it help pilgrims?The platform will help pilgrims manage their Hajj journey, including tasks like booking their flight tickets, checking for accommodation, and catering, and receiving guidance and support throughout their Hajj. Applicants can register themselves, as well as their companions, who will receive notifications on any updates on the services provided through the platform.

Pilgrims must respect holy places' sanctity

Authorities have urged worshippers at Islam’s holiest sites to observe “manners” of filming and taking photos as the two places are drawing hundreds of thousands of Muslims during the month of Ramadan.

The exhortation was made by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on the proper behaviour while taking photos at the Grand Mosque, which houses the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

“Sanctity of the place at the two holy mosques should be observed. We have to heed manners of photo-taking and safeguard other people’s rights,” the ministry said on Twitter.

The ministry pointed out that these manners include not to show others in filming and photos without permission, avoid getting distracted from worshipping by filming or snapping photos, or causing crowding by stopping to capture images.

No cap on UmrahSaudi Arabia has recently said there is no limit to the number of Muslims undertaking Umrah or lesser pilgrimages in the kingdom despite providing facilities to overseas Muslims.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah added that arrivals in the kingdom on visit, tourism and labour visas can perform Umrah and can change the transport mode on leaving the country to be different from the one used in entering Saudi Arabia.

The minister, however, requested Umrah pilgrims to comply with the date specified in their permits to perform the rituals in the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Tourist visa for GCC residents

Saudi Arabia recently announced that citizens of GCC nations can now apply for tourist visas regardless of their occupation. This eVisa also permits holders to perform Umrah, and both single and multiple entry options are available. GCC residents with valid residency documents for at least three months and passports for at least six months are eligible to apply. The visa fee is $80 (300 SAR), in addition to the cost of health insurance.

More From Saudi

SR3.6m given away at Saudi Quran contest

Saudi Arabia: In-person studies hit due to bad weather

Guidelines for taking photos at Islam’s holiest sites

Watch: Special oud, essential oils at Prophet’s Mosque