JEDDAH, 13 April 2004 — The new Umrah season begins on April 20 (Rabiul Awwal 1). The majority of Umrah operators believe the electronic Umrah system, launched last year, has been beneficial and also contributed to minimizing the problem of overstayers.
The problem is also addressed by the Haj ministry’s plan to levy a refundable charge of SR3,000 on each pilgrim from certain countries.
One of the Haj and Umrah operators said the new payment procedure is a safeguard because visas will not be processed until the payment has been received. “This will also eliminate visa sellers,” he added.
The Haj ministry’s decision not to send visa requests to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs unless the full package payment and service fees have been deposited into the special bank account at Haj Information Center (SEJEL), will ensure that the payment is received and the pilgrims are provided the services and facilities they are promised.
Nearly six million pilgrims have performed Umrah in the last three years since the implementation of the new Umrah regulations. The Umrah services sector generates more than SR8 billion annually and also provides employment to nearly 8,000 Saudis. Each Umrah pilgrim spends an average of SR1,000.
Syed M. Mujeeb, general manager of Al Hussam Group’s Fast Aviation, said Umrah traffic begins slowly and picks up about a month into the season. Initially, the pilgrims are from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, many of them preferring 3 or-4-star hotel packages.
Pilgrims from India and Pakistan are “late arrivals,” and their numbers are not so great. Prices remain competitive until mid-August. From then until mid-October there is a marginal increase.
There is a larger increase effective from Ramadan 1 to Ramadan 19. From then until the end of Ramadan, a majority of hotels offer only 10-day packages, especially those near the two Holy Harams.
Mujeeb said that the system of domestic travel for Umrah visitors would boost business.
“People love to visit Saudi Arabia which has plenty of historical, cultural and interesting sites,” he added. The pilgrim, however, will have to plan in advance so that permission can be obtained. Places pilgrims like to visit include Taif, Abha and Madain Saleh.
