Saudi Arabia has introduced a new Nusuk-linked food voucher system for Umrah pilgrims arriving from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Egypt. Under the reported arrangement, pilgrims will be required to have meal services included as part of their Umrah package, with the catering charge incorporated into the visa/package process. Reports indicate a cost of approximately 20 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim per day.
The new arrangement is designed to connect pilgrims with approved catering providers through Saudi Arabia’s digital Nusuk ecosystem. Each pilgrim is expected to receive a unique code linked to their Umrah visa, which can be used to access meals from participating food-service providers in Makkah and Madinah.
Reports have stated that approximately 10,000 restaurants and food outlets in Makkah and Madinah are being connected to the system. The reported voucher value is calculated according to the pilgrim’s approved period of stay.
Saudi Arabia has been expanding Nusuk into a central digital platform for Umrah services. The official Nusuk Umrah platform currently provides access to packages incorporating services such as accommodation, catering, transportation, flights, and heritage-site visits through approved service providers.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also provides an electronic catering-contract system through Nusuk Masar, allowing Umrah companies and approved catering providers to document catering agreements and publish menus.
The reported first phase covers:
Bangladesh, India and Pakistan are also currently listed among the countries served by the official Nusuk Umrah platform.
Because the meal service is incorporated into the Umrah visa/package process, the change may affect the overall cost structure of Umrah packages. Travel agencies and Umrah operators may need to update their package prices and catering arrangements according to the applicable Nusuk requirements.
The reported implementation date was 1 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH. As requirements can be updated by Saudi authorities, pilgrims should confirm the latest applicable rules, charges and package requirements with an authorized Umrah service provider or official Saudi channels before booking.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only. Requirements, fees, implementation procedures and participating service providers may change. Please verify the latest information through official Saudi authorities or an authorized Umrah service provider before making travel arrangements.
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