No Umrah visas for people under 40 yrs: Saudi

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia will not issue Umrah visas to individuals under 40 years of age, who come alone for the pilgrimage from a number of countries including India, Pakistan and Egypt.

This decision was taken due to the fact that there were a large number of overstayers in Saudi Arabia who had visited the Kingdom for pilgrimage alone after being granted visas for Umrah or mini Haj, said Adil Balkhair, Assistant Deputy Minister for Umrah affairs.

Balkhair said the decision was taken in the light of continuous study of figures and as a result of Umrah regulations over the past years. Those under 40 years can come with their families or with organised legal groups.

"It became clear to us that some are using Umrah as an excuse to overstay and become illegal workers," the minister was quoted as saying by 'Arab News'.