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Islamabad — The government of Pakistan has announced a series of measures to put an end to the misuse of umra visas by individuals who travel under the cover of pilgrimage but end up begging in Saudi Arabia. The new steps are designed to protect the sanctity of the pilgrimage and ensure that Umrah packages from Pakistan are reserved for genuine worshippers.

New Regulations to Curb Umrah Visa Abuse

Officials confirmed that the recently approved rules will introduce stricter checks on who can travel under an umra visa. Only licensed and registered operators will be allowed to sell Umrah packages, while unregistered agents will be barred from arranging travel.

Pilgrims may also be asked to provide additional documentation and declarations confirming that their purpose is solely religious. Authorities will monitor operators closely, and those found violating the rules could face cancellation of licenses, heavy fines, or permanent blacklisting.

The move comes after growing concerns about Pakistan’s image abroad. Authorities say that misuse of umrah visas has not only embarrassed the country but has also caused unnecessary complications for genuine pilgrims.

New Changes Will Make Umrah Packages Transparent

In recent years, there have been frequent reports of individuals being sent to Saudi Arabia under Umrah packages from Pakistan but then being forced or persuaded into begging. This created an international issue and risked stricter scrutiny for all Pakistani travelers.

By implementing the new rules, the government aims to restore trust and dignity in the pilgrimage process. Officials emphasize that pilgrims represent Pakistan abroad and must uphold the values of respect and discipline during their stay in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Impact on Pilgrims and Umrah Packages

For genuine travelers, these measures are expected to make Umrah packages more reliable and transparent. Licensed operators will be held accountable for the services they provide, reducing the risk of fraud or exploitation.

However, the regulations may also affect the Umrah package price. With new licensing requirements, stricter checks, and higher compliance costs, operators might adjust their rates, making travel slightly more expensive. While this could be a challenge for low-income families, officials believe it is a necessary step to preserve the sanctity of the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims planning to book Umrah packages from Pakistan may also face additional paperwork, including financial verifications and group travel arrangements, to ensure they are genuine travelers. While these processes may add extra steps, they are seen as crucial to preventing misuse.

The government has stressed that its intention is not to create hurdles for pilgrims but to safeguard their spiritual journey. New monitoring bodies and complaint systems will also be introduced, so that travelers can report fraud, overcharging, or poor services by travel operators.

Authorities are confident that these reforms will not only curb the exploitation of umra visas but will also improve the overall travel experience for Pakistanis going on pilgrimage.

Better Umrah Practices to Boost Pakistan's Image

The new framework reflects a larger effort to maintain Pakistan’s reputation on the international stage. By ensuring that only genuine pilgrims travel through Umrah packages, the government hopes to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia and protect the honor of Pakistan’s citizens abroad.

For thousands of worshippers planning their journeys, these changes may mean a little extra effort during the booking process, but they also promise more secure, authentic, and respectful experiences in the holy land.

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