Saudi Arabia Tightens Rules for Umrah during Ramadan
Jakarta (ANTARA) — The Saudi Arabian government has urged pilgrims and umrah participants during the peak season of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah to pay attention to the service packages offered, particularly catering and accommodation.
Puji Raharjo, Director General of Hajj and Umrah Administration at Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, stated that the policy aims to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims whilst performing worship in the Holy Land.
“The Saudi Arabian government wants to ensure all pilgrims receive clear and guaranteed services, particularly during the peak Ramadan season. Therefore, umrah organisers (PPIU) must comply with the service package regulations that have been established,” said Puji Raharjo in Jakarta on Saturday.
He explained that the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah’s directive contains several key points that must be fulfilled by umrah organisers in Indonesia.
First, every umrah package must clearly list catering services. This provision is intended to guarantee food availability for pilgrims whilst in the Holy Land.
Second, pilgrims are not permitted to depart for Saudi Arabia without a genuine umrah package that has been approved. The package must include all core service components to guarantee pilgrim safety and service quality.
Third, umrah organisers must ensure the condition of pilgrims whilst in Saudi Arabia through coordination with local partners (syarikah). Additionally, there must be proof of accommodation bookings at official hotels registered with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism.
“We are requesting all umrah travel organisers to immediately adjust their service packages. We must ensure no pilgrims depart without certainty regarding hotel accommodation, meals, and other basic services,” he said.
Meanwhile, Akhmad Fauzin, Director of Specialised Hajj and Umrah, added that this policy also represents an effort to enhance operational discipline among Indonesian umrah organisers.
According to Fauzin, during the Ramadan season, the number of pilgrims increases sharply, necessitating stricter oversight of service provision.
“Saudi Arabia wants to ensure pilgrim arrivals are more orderly and accommodation is clearly arranged. This also protects pilgrims from unrealistic or incomplete umrah packages,” he stated.
He urged Indonesians to choose official umrah travel agencies with transparent service packages.
“We remind prospective pilgrims to ensure their umrah package includes flight tickets, hotels, transportation, meals, and other services before departure,” said Fauzin.