Fatshimetrie
—
Suspension of B2C Umrah Visa: An Important Measure After the Tragic Hajj Season
The announcement of the suspension of the B2C Umrah visa has sparked strong reactions within the Muslim community. This decision comes after a series of deaths related to the heat wave during the Hajj season, highlighting the need to regulate the flow of pilgrims to ensure their safety and well-being.
The member of the General Assembly of the Egyptian Associations of Travel Agents, Basil al-Sisi, stressed the importance of this measure in a statement to Fatshimetrie. According to him, the suspension of the B2C visa does not mean that there are no more Umrah visas available, but rather aims to temporarily restrict the issuance of this type of visa in the absence of an organizing agent to ensure a safe journey.
This situation highlights the risks associated with obtaining unregulated visas, as Sisi pointed out. Indeed, the B2C visa allowed pilgrims to enter the system and travel without the intermediary of a travel agency, which was deemed unacceptable after the incidents that occurred during the Hajj season.
The Chairwoman of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Committee in the House of Representatives, Noura Ali, also warned against fraudulent practices that encourage citizens to perform Hajj with a visit visa, thus exposing them to difficult situations and potential dangers. These revelations have reinforced the need to regulate the visa process to protect pilgrims and ensure their safety during their holy journey.
In conclusion, the suspension of the B2C visa for Umrah is an important preventive measure aimed at improving the travel conditions for pilgrims and ensuring their well-being. This decision underlines the urgency of regulating the flow of pilgrims and ensuring strict monitoring of visa procedures to avoid any risk to the lives of the faithful. This is a crucial step to enhance the safety and comfort of pilgrims while preserving the spiritual and sacred essence of Hajj and Umrah.