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Saudi Arabia has introduced a new rule requiring Umrah pilgrims from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Egypt to pay a mandatory daily meal fee of about 20 Saudi riyals, which will be added to the visa cost.
The regulation will come into effect from the 1st of Rabi’ al-Awwal, according to reports.
Under the new system, pilgrims’ accommodation, transport and meals will be managed through a dedicated mobile app. Around 10,000 restaurants in Makkah and Madinah will be integrated into the platform.
Pilgrims will receive a special code with their visa, which can be used to collect meals from designated restaurants and food outlets.
Saudi authorities say the initiative aims to ensure better quality food and eliminate irregularities in services provided to pilgrims.
However, the move is likely to increase the overall cost of performing Umrah for Bangladeshi travellers, prompting travel agencies to revise their packages accordingly.