Hajj 2024: Hajj and Umrah journey of Indian pilgrims will become more convenient, women will get benefits
Hajj 2024: Saudi Arabia is taking measures to ensure a more fulfilling journey for Indian Hajj pilgrims. Women going on independent Umrah journeys will especially benefit. Along with extending the Umrah visa to 90 days, seven 4-day transit visas are also being introduced. Millions of Muslims from around the world visit Mecca every year to perform the Hajj as well as the Islamic pilgrimage to Umrah.
Saudi Arabia is providing more facilities for Indian pilgrims travelling to Mecca. Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfig bin Fauzan Al-Rabiah said on Wednesday that this initiative has been specially designed to make the journey of Indian pilgrims more comfortable. This will especially benefit women going on independent Umrah pilgrimages. Along with extending the Umrah visa to 90 days, seven 4-day transit visas are also being introduced.
Speaking to PTI, Al-Rabiah said, 'By promoting gender equality it aims to ensure a more fulfilling and safe pilgrimage experience for all pilgrims. He said that my first official visit to India as Haj and Umrah Minister is important in our ongoing efforts to showcase Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to serving Umrah performers and visitors.
Let us tell you that Al-Rabiah, who was on a visit to India, spoke to Union Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday.
For information, let us tell you that millions of Muslims from all over the world go to Mecca every year to perform Hajj as well as Islamic pilgrimage Umrah. The number of Indian Umrah pilgrims is likely to increase in the near future in view of the impressive initiatives launched to enhance the pilgrim experiences.
The minister also talked about improving India-Saudi Arabia relations. Al-Rabiah said that India has been allotted an estimated quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for the Hajj season in 2024.
