RIYADH, 8 September 2004 — The Saudi Ministry of Pilgrimage (Haj) has lifted the suspension on the issuance of visas to Filipinos who wish to perform Umrah, the Philippine Embassy said in a press statement. Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla said the embassy earlier filed a note several weeks ago with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting for the lifting of the suspension order.
Haj authorities suspended issuance of the visas because some Umrah performers from the Philippines have failed to return home on schedule. With the ministry’s recent decision, Guinomla enjoined all concerned Umrah and Haj visitors from the Philippines to return home on time after completing their pilgrimage.