According to the Saudi Press Agency, Sudanese Umrah pilgrims who arrived in the Kingdom with pilgrimage visas might remain longer. This is in accordance with King Salman’s and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s want to assist the Sudanese people with humanitarian efforts.
A new scheme also allows Saudis and ex-pats to host Sudanese pilgrims by converting their Umrah visas to visit visas. These actions will be carried out by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).
The Jawazat has begun to extend visas for Sudanese Umrah pilgrims who are unable to return home due to the country’s turmoil. Furthermore, on the Ministry of Interior’s electronic platform, Absher Individuals (Absher Afrad), they have established a service called “Hosting Sudanese Pilgrims” to make it simpler for Saudis and ex-pats to welcome them.
This new service allows Saudi residents who know or are linked to Sudanese pilgrims, as well as Saudi citizens, to house them. Depending on the terms and restrictions on the Absher platform, the service converts the Umrah visa to a visit visa (either family or personal).
The pilgrim’s record can be amended, and the host does not have to pay the initial visa payments. This benefit is for pilgrims who are unable to travel to Sudan due to the country’s situation.
