Saudi Arabia Makes Major Changes in Visa Rules

According to the Saudi Press Agency, Sudanese Umrah pilgrims who entered the country on pilgrimage visas may stay in Saudi Arabia for a longer period of time. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who desire to support the Sudanese people with their humanitarian projects, gave the order for this.

Additionally, a recent initiative allows Saudis and expatriates to receive Sudanese pilgrims as guests by converting their Umrah visas into visitor visas. These actions will be taken by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).

The Jawazat has started extending visas for Sudanese Umrah pilgrims who are unable to return home due to the conflict there. In addition, they have made it simpler for Saudis and expats to welcome them by launching a service called “Hosting Sudanese Pilgrims” on the electronic platform Absher Individuals (Absher Afrad) run by the Ministry of Interior.

With the advent of this new service, Saudi nationals and residents who are acquainted with or related to Sudanese pilgrims may host 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).