Travel Operators Urged to Ensure Umrah Pilgrims Do Not Overstay
Responding to the new policy from the Saudi Arabian government regarding Umrah pilgrim repatriation procedures ahead of the Hajj season, the Indonesian Association of Muslim Hajj and Umrah Organisers (Amphuri) has immediately conducted outreach to ensure that Umrah and Hajj travel operators in Indonesia adhere to the policy and prevent Umrah pilgrims from overstaying.
“Generally, regarding the end of the 1447 H Umrah season schedule, it is hoped that there will be no overstays because the penalties include fines of 50,000 to 100,000 SAR and/or imprisonment,” said Amphuri Secretary General Zaky Zakaria when contacted on Wednesday (25/3).
Zaky emphasised that travel operators should avoid overstays that could cause problems for pilgrims. Additionally, the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has prompted the Saudi government to consider tightening measures to anticipate various possibilities.
“Up to now, the Saudi Arabian government has stated that its country remains safe for the 2026 Hajj implementation,” he said.
Previously reported, the Saudi Arabian government issued a new policy on Umrah pilgrim repatriation procedures. Pilgrims are expected to leave Saudi territory before the specified deadline unless subject to severe penalties from the local authorities.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs continues to strengthen oversight of Umrah pilgrimage arrangements as a manifestation of the state’s presence in protecting pilgrims’ rights.
Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ashari Tambunan, emphasised that the independent Umrah policy is not intended to cripple Umrah travel businesses.
Indonesia consistently ranks as one of the countries with the highest number of Umrah pilgrims worldwide, with more than 1.8 million pilgrims dispatched throughout 2024.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak stated that the government’s decision to legalise independent Umrah follows the dynamics of regulations from the Saudi Arabian government.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has responded to concerns from Umrah pilgrimage travel operators following the government’s decision to allow independent Umrah implementation.
As of 12 March 2026, 24,022 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims have returned to Indonesia via various international flights from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia.
Minister of Religious Affairs Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, or Gus Irfan, assured that Umrah pilgrims in Mecca and Medina remain safe despite the heating up of the Middle East conflict.
Minister of Religious Affairs Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, or Gus Irfan, revealed that around 50,000 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims are still in Saudi Arabia.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Dahnil Anzar emphasised that the safety of 2026 Hajj pilgrims is the top priority amid Middle East dynamics.
Member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives Selly Gantina urged the government to mitigate the impact of the Middle East conflict on Umrah pilgrims and Hajj financial stability.