Saudi-India Collaboration Boosts Umrah and Hajj Services: New Visa Centers and Budget Flights Announced
Saudi Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah is set to visit Delhi to streamline Umrah services for Indian pilgrims, aiming to enhance collaboration and facilitate smoother journeys. India, home to the world’s largest Muslim-minority population of over 200 million, is a significant focus for such efforts.
Saudi Vision 2023
This visit is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to better serve Umrah pilgrims globally, aligning with the goals of ‘Saudi Vision 2030’. Al-Rabiah will engage in high-level discussions with Indian officials and key figures in the Hajj and Umrah sector to strengthen coordination.
As part of the efforts to streamline processes for Indian pilgrims, an inaugural exhibition for the Nusuk platform and the Tasheer e-visa-issuing center will be organized during the visit.
The Haj Committee of India aims to discuss increasing India’s Hajj pilgrimage quota during Al-Rabiah’s visit. Currently, around 175,000 Indians undertake the Hajj journey annually. Discussions will center on potentially increasing this quota to accommodate more pilgrims, reflecting the importance of this visit in fostering mutual cooperation and understanding.
New Visa Centers in India
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, announced plans to open new visa centers and introduce budget flights to accommodate the growing number of Indian pilgrims undertaking Umrah journeys. His visit to New Delhi focuses on strengthening collaboration with Indian officials and partners to enhance the Umrah pilgrimage experience for international travelers.
Highlighting the significance of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform plan, Al-Rabiah emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to leveraging technology and improving infrastructure to enrich the spiritual journey of Umrah for Muslims worldwide. India, with its vast Muslim-minority population exceeding 200 million, stands as a key focus for these efforts.
1.7 Million Umrah Pilgrims from India
In 2023, the number of Indian Umrah pilgrims surged by 74 percent, surpassing 1.2 million individuals, a testament to the collaborative efforts between Saudi Arabia and India. Discussions have been initiated to increase direct flights between the two nations to accommodate the growing demand for Umrah trips.
Efforts to enhance capacity include introducing new scheduled flights through Saudi low-cost airlines, flynas and flyadeal, alongside initiatives to streamline visa issuance procedures and establish three additional visa centers in India.
Indian Minister of Minority Affairs, Smriti Irani, described her discussions with Al-Rabiah as productive, particularly regarding cooperation for the Hajj pilgrimage. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a convenient and seamless Hajj process, with a focus on providing exemplary services for all pilgrims.
Hajj Quota For India
Under the 2023 Hajj quota, approximately 175,000 Indians, nearly half of whom were women, embarked on the spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia. Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, emphasized the visit’s role in strengthening bilateral ties, underscoring the importance of Hajj as a cornerstone of the Saudi-India relationship, beneficial not only to the two countries but also to the wider region and world.
Also Read:
1. FAQ: What is the purpose of Saudi Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah’s visit to India? Answer: Al-Rabiah’s visit aims to strengthen collaboration with Indian officials and partners and streamline the Umrah pilgrimage process for international travelers.
2. FAQ: How has Saudi Arabia improved the Umrah experience for pilgrims? Answer: Through initiatives like Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has leveraged technology and upgraded infrastructure to transform Umrah into a rewarding religious expedition.
3. FAQ: What led to the surge in Indian Umrah pilgrims in 2023? Answer: The increase in Indian Umrah pilgrims in 2023, exceeding 1.2 million, was a result of collaborative efforts between Saudi Arabia and India.
4. FAQ: What steps are being taken to accommodate the growing number of Indian pilgrims? Answer: Plans include opening new visa centers, introducing budget flights, and increasing capacity through Saudi low-cost airlines like flynas and flyadeal.
5. FAQ: How many Indian pilgrims traveled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj in 2023? Answer: Approximately 175,000 Indians, nearly half of whom were women, undertook the spiritual journey of Hajj in 2023.
6. FAQ: What discussions were held between Saudi Minister Al-Rabiah and Indian officials? Answer: Productive discussions focused on deepening engagements, particularly regarding cooperation for the Hajj pilgrimage and enhancing services for pilgrims.
7. FAQ: How do both nations view their partnership in relation to Hajj? Answer: Both Saudi Arabia and India recognize their partnership as mutually beneficial, aiming to provide seamless Hajj experiences for pilgrims.
8. FAQ: What role does India’s vast Muslim-minority population play in these efforts? Answer: With over 200 million Muslims, India serves as a significant focus for initiatives aimed at enhancing Umrah and Hajj services.
9. FAQ: How do the initiatives announced align with Saudi Vision 2030? Answer: The initiatives, such as opening new visa centers and introducing budget flights, align with Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing the pilgrimage experience.
10. FAQ: What is the broader impact of Saudi-India collaboration in the pilgrimage sector? Answer: The collaboration not only strengthens bilateral ties but also benefits the wider region and the world by facilitating smoother and more accessible pilgrimage experiences.
