Saudi Arabia has announced a new policy for Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan and other countries, introducing a mandatory food voucher system that is expected to increase the overall cost of performing Umrah.
According to details, the Saudi government has announced that a “Nusuk Food Voucher” will be mandatory for Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan, India, Egypt, and Bangladesh. The cost of the voucher will be included in the total Umrah visa fee. The new policy will come into effect from 1st Rabi-ul-Awwal. Under the new system, every Umrah pilgrim will be required to pay approximately 20 Saudi Riyals per day for food, with the amount automatically added during the visa processing procedure.
The introduction of the mandatory voucher is expected to raise the overall cost of Umrah packages. Travel agents in Pakistan and other affected countries have started reviewing their package prices in light of the additional expense. Saudi authorities have integrated hotel bookings, transportation, food services, and other facilities into the Nusuk digital platform to modernise and streamline arrangements for Umrah pilgrims.
As part of this initiative, around 10,000 registered restaurants in Makkah and Madinah have been linked with the digital platform. Each pilgrim will receive a special code along with their visa. By presenting this code at registered restaurants, pilgrims will be able to receive meals according to the approved standards.
Saudi authorities viewed that the main objective of the initiative is to ensure that Umrah pilgrims receive food services that meet quality and hygiene standards, improve the overall experience, and eliminate unregistered and substandard catering services.
Read more: Deadly floods wreak havoc in Chitral, destroying homes, roads and infrastructure