Saudi Arabia Implements New Regulations for Umrah

Dream - Director of Umrah and Special Hajj at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) Nur Arifin stated that the Saudi Arabian Government has implemented new regulations for the organization of umrah in 1444 Hijriah/2023 AD.

"Saudi policy in organizing umrah also focuses on the business to customer or B to C scheme," said Nur Arifin on Wednesday, September 21, 2022.

Nur explained that the new regulations implemented by Saudi Arabia include the removal of umrah quota restrictions, no longer needing to use an umrah visa, or it can be done with other types of visas.

In addition, the visa application process does not have to go through providers in Indonesia, PPIUs can directly contact providers in Saudi Arabia.

"This policy is oriented as part of the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030," said Nur.

Nur stated that this policy needs to be responded to and mitigated if it has the potential to cause problems in the organization of umrah in Indonesia.

In addition, it is also necessary to discuss several domestic issues, such as the issue of meningitis vaccines that have emerged in Surabaya, as well as the high price of tickets.

"These detailed issues are discussed together in this FGD to obtain recommendations for future improvements," he said.

Meanwhile, Sub-Director of Umrah Supervision Noer Alya Fitra stated that regarding the B to C scheme, it is agreed that according to the regulations, umrah organization must be done through PPIUs.

"The Ministry of Religious Affairs and PPIUs will conduct intensive socialization regarding this regulation," said Alya.

Regarding the limitation of meningitis vaccines, Alya said that the Ministry of Health has reallocated the distribution of vaccine availability according to the population distribution of umrah pilgrims per province and expedited the procurement of new vaccines that will be available in the near future.

Source: Liputan6.com

4-Day Express Umrah Travel Package, Suitable for Super Busy Pilgrims

Dream - Can you perform umrah over the weekend in no more than five days? Why not. PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (GIAA) presents an innovation of short umrah travel for four days through its subsidiary, Aerohajj.

Umrah, which is usually carried out for nine to 12 days, can now be done faster with Aerohajj, which is an umrah and hajj agent with costs starting from Rp24 million.

This offer is quite interesting, especially for workers or executives who want to perform umrah amidst their super busy schedules.

President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Irfan Setiaputra, stated that the so-called special umrah travel is a manifestation of Garuda Indonesia's commitment to provide added value to flight services.

"It is expected to meet the needs of the community who want to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land amidst their activities or busy schedules," said Irfan in a press release on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

In terms of time, umrah pilgrims will depart on Thursday from Jakarta at 12:10 PM WIB, then depart from Jeddah on Saturday at 7:40 PM local time, and return to Jakarta on Sunday at 9:10 AM WIB.

The umrah travel package includes Garuda Indonesia round-trip flights Jakarta-Jeddah, umrah visa, full board accommodation for two nights at a 4-star hotel, including three meals a day.

There is also transportation using a taxi from Jeddah to Mecca for the round trip, travel insurance, and a pilgrimage guide. Not to forget, 5 liters of Zamzam water as a souvenir.