Key Takeaways:
- Saudi Arabia suspended Umrah e-visas for Egyptians due to over 1,300 heatwave-related deaths during Hajj, including 650 Egyptians.
- The B2C Umrah e-visa allowed direct booking online, but its suspension impacts both Egyptian and Pakistani pilgrims.
- Egypt has penalized 16 tourism firms for irregular pilgrimage authorizations, and Human Rights Watch urges better heat protection measures.
Why Has Saudi Arabia Suspended Umrah E-Visas for Egyptians?
Saudi Arabia has recently suspended the issuance of Umrah e-visas for Egyptians. The suspension comes in response to the tragic heatwave deaths during Hajj, which claimed over 1,300 lives. This decision directly affects the travelers who used the B2C Umrah e-visa, which allows for direct booking through the kingdom’s online Umrah portal. This visa has been particularly popular as it bypasses the need for external travel agents.
What is a B2C Umrah E-Visa?
The B2C Umrah e-visa is an electronic visa that makes it simpler for pilgrims to book their travel arrangements directly. Before suspending the B2C visa, travelers had to first transit through the UAE or Oman for six hours before heading into Saudi Arabia for their pilgrimage. This route was particularly cumbersome and, as recent events have shown, potentially dangerous.
Why Was the Suspension Implemented?
The suspension was implemented due to the staggering number of heatwave-related deaths during Hajj this month. The official numbers suggest that at least 1,301 worshippers succumbed to extreme heat. Many of these pilgrims were traveling on non-official visas, which left them inadequately prepared without proper access to food, water, transport, or accommodation.
According to Saudi Arabia’s official news agency, more than three-quarters of the fatalities involved individuals without Hajj permits. This compelled these pilgrims to walk for hours under direct sunlight, significantly increasing their risk of heatstroke and dehydration. Approximately 650 of these deaths were Egyptian nationals, compelling rapid action.
Temporary Measure by Saudi Authorities
Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, emphasized that the suspension of the B2C Umrah e-visas is only a temporary measure. Egyptians are still allowed to perform Umrah anytime during the year using the standard B2B visa, which allows for direct entry into Saudi Arabia.
How This Impacts Pakistani Pilgrims
The B2C visa suspension has also been reported for Pakistani nationals, adding another layer of complexity to the process of performing Umrah.
What Actions Have Been Taken by Egypt?
The high death toll has prompted significant actions back in Egypt. Egypt’s Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has stripped 16 tourism companies of their licenses. The managers of these companies have been referred to prosecutors for authorizing pilgrimages through illegal and irregular channels.
Heat Protection Measures and Future Precautions
The tragic events during Hajj have emphasized the need for better heat protection measures. A report issued by Human Rights Watch stresses that Saudi authorities have an obligation to protect people from extreme heat, particularly as the climate crisis exacerbates temperature rises. The report states:
“Beyond Hajj, they should implement heat protection measures to better safeguard the health of all those at risk. This is especially urgent given Saudi Arabia’s plans under Vision 2030, which includes increasing the annual number of religious pilgrims to 30 million from 8 million.”
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that parts of the Gulf could become uninhabitable by the end of the century. Therefore, it is increasingly important for Saudi authorities to treat the Hajj as not only a religious gathering but also a public health risk, especially with next year’s pilgrimage expected to occur in high summer temperatures.
For more detailed information, you can refer to Human Rights Watch’s Report.
Final Thoughts
The suspension of Umrah e-visas for Egyptians, following the fatal heatwave during Hajj, underscores the urgent necessity for adequate protection measures for pilgrims. This incident serves as a sobering reminder that climate change is a pressing issue affecting all spheres of life, including religious practices.
As per VisaVerge.com, the decision to suspend these visas may be temporary, but it highlights the critical need for improved safety protocols and better governance in managing large-scale pilgrimages. Whether you are an Egyptian or a Pakistani pilgrim, staying informed and mindful of the new visa regulations is essential for a safe journey to holy sites.
The experiences of this year underscore the importance of adhering to official channels and prepared guidelines to ensure a safe and spiritual pilgrimage, free from preventable tragedies.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- B2C Umrah E-Visa:
An electronic visa allowing pilgrims to independently book their travel arrangements for the Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, bypassing the need for external travel agents. - Hajj:
The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able. - B2B Visa:
A standard visa permitting travelers to enter a country for business purposes or other specified reasons. In this context, it refers to the visa allowing direct entry into Saudi Arabia for Umrah without using the suspended B2C e-visa. - Heatwave:
A prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which can have serious health impacts and, as discussed, was a significant factor in the tragic deaths during Hajj. - Human Rights Watch:
An international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights, highlighting the necessity of protective measures for pilgrims in extreme weather conditions as discussed in their report.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Saudi Arabia suspended Umrah e-visas for Egyptians due to a tragic heatwave during Hajj, resulting in over 1,300 deaths, many being Egyptians. The move aims to enhance safety and ensure proper travel arrangements, highlighting the need for better precautionary measures against extreme weather during pilgrimage.
— By VisaVerge.com
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