Saudi issued more than 2 million...

Indonesia, Iraq and Turkey are the top source markets

Saudi authorities have confirmed that more than two million visas have been issued to Umrah pilgrims from a total of 176 countries around the world so far during the current Umrah season.

Unlike Hajj, the annual religious pilgrimage to Mecca, undertaken each year by millions of Muslims at a set time (this year it took place from 7 to 12 July), Umrah can be completed at any time of the year, and the current Umrah season began 30 July in 2022.

The cooler winter period is likely to see an increase in the influx of Umrah pilgrims.

To date, Indonesia tops the list of countries in terms of the highest number of Umrah pilgrims, followed by Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, Malaysia, India and Azerbaijan.

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The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques said that cutting-edge technology, including AI and robots were employed to help process pilgrims' visas.

On 2 October, Saudi announced the extension of the Umrah visa to three months for international pilgrims. More than 10 million pilgrims are expected to visit within this Umrah season.

For more information, visit www.haj.gov.sa/en