15.2 MILLION PEOPLE PERFORM UMRAH IN JUST THREE MONTHS
Saudi Arabia Records More Than 15.2 Million Umrah Pilgrims During First Quarter of Current Season
MAKKAH: More than 15.2 million people performed Umrah during the first quarter of the ongoing Umrah season in Saudi Arabia, according to data released by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics.
The authority reported that a total of 15,233,767 people performed Umrah during the first three months of the season. Of the total, around 9.5 million were domestic pilgrims, while the remaining pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia from abroad.
According to the statistics, men accounted for 56.4% of all Umrah performers, while women represented 40.6%. Saudi nationals made up 28.9% of the total number of pilgrims.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set March 9, 2027, as the deadline for issuing Umrah visas for the current season. Pilgrims holding valid Umrah visas will be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia until March 23, 2027.
With millions of pilgrims visiting the Kingdom, Saudi authorities are continuing efforts to improve facilities and services related to Umrah arrangements.
Private Hajj 2027 Payments Begin
Meanwhile, payments for the Private Hajj Scheme 2027 have also started. Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has advised intending pilgrims to use only the official Pak Hajj App and Hajj Portal for registrations, bookings and payments.
Under the scheme, pilgrims can select an authorised Hajj organiser and choose their preferred package through the official portal. The ministry has warned that no Hajj organiser is authorised to collect payments directly from pilgrims.
Authorities have also cautioned pilgrims against paying unauthorised agents or individuals, warning that any resulting financial loss will be the responsibility of the person making the payment.
The Private Hajj Scheme 2027 quota has been set at 71,696 pilgrims, while new registrations are also being processed through the official digital platforms.
