Saudi Arabia Umrah season sees 22.5% rise in pilgrims, Pakistan leads

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that 931,500 Umrah visas were issued from the start of the season on 15 Dhu al‑Hijja to the end of Muharram 1448 AH, marking a 22.5% increase compared with the same period last year. More than 1.27 million visitors arrived from abroad, with 75% coming by air and the remaining 25% via land or sea. The top source countries were Pakistan (≈200,000 pilgrims), Indonesia (≈170,000) and Iraq (≈130,000).

In a related policy change, Saudi authorities will incorporate a mandatory daily catering fee of about 20 Saudi riyals into the Umrah visa fee for pilgrims from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Egypt, starting 1 Rabiʽ al‑Awwal. The fee will be delivered as a Nusk voucher linked to each visa, redeemable at participating restaurants throughout the visitor’s stay.

These measures aim to improve services for the growing number of pilgrims and align with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.