Saudi Arabia declines visas to those under 40
Dubai, June 7 : Indian pilgrims planning to visit the holy cities in Saudi Arabia have been asked to take note of the decision of Saudi authorities to stop issuing Umrah visas to individuals under 40 years of age.
The restrictions are being imposed to stop the menace of large number of overstayers after they complete the pilgrimage.
However, those under 40 years can come with their families or with organised legal groups.
An official of Saudi Arabia's Umrah affairs said the new rule has been adopted after consulting all parties concerned, Arab News reported.
''It became clear to us that some are using Umrah as an excuse to overstay and become illegal workers,'' he added.
UNI
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Story first published: Wednesday, June 7, 2006, 14:59 [IST]