Over 33,000 Iraqi Pilgrims to Perform Hajj in 2023: Saudi Arabia
They will be among the 2 million pilgrims expected to visit Saudi Arabia during the 2023 Hajj season, he said, local media reported.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference with the Chairman of the Supreme Authority for Hajj and Umrah, Sami Al Masoudi, during Al Rabiah’s official visit to Iraq.
During the visit, the minister highlighted the various facilities offered to pilgrims and Umrah performers, including a reduction in insurance costs, increased competition among service providers, and the development of the Jdeidet Arar port. He also discussed ways to further facilitate the arrival of Iraqi pilgrims in Mecca and Medina, including the recent introduction of a free transit visa for those travelling with Saudi carriers.
Al Rabiah emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing top-quality services to all pilgrims, including Iraqis, with no restrictions on age, number, or procedural requirements. He noted the extended validity of Umrah visas from 30 to 90 days and the processing of religious and historical sites.
The minister met with several Iraqi officials, including the President, the Speaker of Parliament, and officials from the transportation and aviation sectors. He stressed the importance of restoring pre-pandemic flight numbers between the two countries and discussed the necessary steps to provide the best possible services to pilgrims through the Doyof Al Rahman program.
Source: gulfnews.com
