The truth about the suspension of Umrah trips for Egyptians through Nusuk... Official statement
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities categorically denied recent rumors circulating on social media and some news websites regarding a decision to suspend Umrah trips for Egyptian citizens booking through the Saudi platform "Nusk." The Ministry affirmed that these reports are completely false and that the Umrah season is proceeding according to normal and pre-planned schedules.
The truth about the dispute with tourism companies
The ministry clarified in an official statement that the confusion surrounding the issue does not stem from a general suspension of flights, but rather from specific regulatory measures implemented by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. These measures involved the temporary suspension of electronic transactions with a limited number of tourism companies found to be non-compliant with the regulations and requirements governing approved Umrah programs. This action reflects the shared commitment of Egyptian and Saudi authorities to regulating the market and preventing any manipulation that could harm the interests of pilgrims.
Official statements and strict controls
In this context, Samia Sami, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Tourism Companies and Head of the Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah, stated that the regulations governing the current season, approved by Minister Sherif Fathy, require all companies to accurately register pilgrim data and program details on the Egyptian Umrah Portal and official Saudi platforms. She noted that ministry committees stationed at ports of entry and airports have detected violations by some companies concerning travel dates and program details, necessitating immediate legal action to ensure the smooth running of the season.
The context of digital transformation and regulating the Umrah market
This event comes amidst a major digital transformation of the Hajj and Umrah system. Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030, seeks to streamline arrival procedures via the "Nusk" platform, while Egypt, through the "Egyptian Umrah Portal" established by law, is working to protect Egyptian citizens from brokers and unlicensed entities. This digital integration between the two countries primarily aims to eliminate the parallel market and ensure pilgrims receive appropriate services, from travel to accommodation and return.
The importance of adhering to regulations and its impact
The importance of these stringent measures lies in their direct impact on the safety and finances of pilgrims. Scrutinizing company compliance prevents overcrowding at airports and protects pilgrims from fraud related to accommodation bookings. The Ministry emphasizes that these regulatory steps enhance the credibility of compliant companies and ensure the sustainability of safe and organized Umrah trips. It urges citizens to exercise caution and deal only with licensed companies that meet the required standards to safeguard their rights.
