KUALA LUMPUR: Saudi Arabia has reduced the Haj pilgrims' insurance premium from 109 Riyals (RM127) to 29 Riyals (RM34), a welcome decrease of 73 per cent.
The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur issued a statement today saying that Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah also announced the reduction of comprehensive insurance premiums for Umrah performers from 235 Riyals (RM274) to 88 Riyals (RM103).
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 'Haj Expo 2023' conference and exhibition yesterday, the minister said the duration of Umrah visa will also be extended from 30 days to 90 days.
"Like holders of Umrah visas who can now roam throughout the Kingdom, holders of all other visas too are allowed to perform the Umrah," read the statement.
Al-Rabiah also explained that starting this year, all Haj missions can contract with any licensed company in Saudi Arabia instead of a few selected companies.
"He stressed the role of the ministry in enhancing competitiveness by providing the opportunity for missions to contract with multiple companies instead of one company like before," read the statement.
The 'Haj Expo 2023', organised by Saudi Arabi's Ministry of Haj and Umrah from Jan 9 to tomorrow, is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to build an ecosystem of innovative services and solutions in providing better services to pilgrims while enhancing their religious and cultural experiences. – Bernama