RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has introduced a new feature in its Umrah visa system by including a Nusuk Food Voucher in the visa fee for pilgrims from four countries, including Pakistan. The move is aimed at improving the quality and organization of food services for Umrah pilgrims in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Under the new policy, every Umrah visa will include a digital food voucher worth SAR 20 per day. Pilgrims will receive a digital code that can be redeemed at more than 10,000 restaurants and food outlets registered with the official Nusuk platform.
Saudi authorities said the food voucher is not an additional charge. Instead, it has been incorporated into the Umrah visa fee, similar to other mandatory services already included in the visa system.
Nusuk platform Hotels
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, only hotels and restaurants that meet Saudi quality and safety standards have been approved to join the Nusuk platform. The ministry has advised Pakistani pilgrims to purchase Umrah packages only through licensed and government-approved travel companies.
However, travel industry representatives believe that although pilgrims will not pay separately for the food voucher, its inclusion in the visa fee is likely to increase the overall cost of Umrah packages. As a result, pilgrims may face higher travel expenses.
The Nusuk platform is Saudi Arabia provides pilgrims with a wide range of services, including Umrah permits, accommodation, transportation, dining and other travel-related facilities through a single digital platform.
Saudi officials said the policy is initially being implemented for pilgrims from Pakistan and three other countries, with plans to expand the program to additional countries in the future.
