Riyadh: Sheikh Sami Al-Masoudi, head of the Supreme Hajj and Umrah Authority, has successfully obtained approval from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to allocate 500 Umrah visas daily for Iraqi citizens.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the announcement came from the Supreme Hajj and Umrah Authority, which highlighted Sheikh Sami Al-Masoudi's efforts in securing the visas amid numerous requests from Iraqi citizens eager to perform Umrah during the 1447 AH season. The Authority stated that Sheikh Al-Masoudi was proactive in engaging with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and other relevant bodies to ensure the continuation of overland Umrah travel through the Arar border crossing.

The statement from the Authority further detailed that the Saudi government agreed to issue 500 visas daily for Iraqi pilgrims until the ongoing regional crisis is resolved. This decision comes after a suspension on visa issuance to all countries was enforced globally.

The Authority urged Iraqi citizens interested in performing Umrah to register with accredited companies. It also instructed these companies to liaise with the Authority to complete necessary departure manifests and administrative processes.