The truth about the suspension of Umrah trips for Egyptians via Nusuk
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities categorically denied recent reports circulating on social media and some news websites claiming that Umrah trips for Egyptian citizens booking through the Saudi platform "Nusk" had been suspended. The Ministry affirmed that these reports are completely false and that operations are continuing according to the regulations governing the current season without any fundamental changes that would infringe upon citizens' right to perform the pilgrimage.
The truth about the technical dispute with tourism companies
The ministry clarified in its official statement that the confusion stemmed from purely regulatory measures taken by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which involved suspending electronic transactions with a specific number of tourism companies. The ministry attributed this action to these companies' failure to comply with the precise regulations and requirements set by the Saudi and Egyptian authorities to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. This necessitated technical intervention to regulate the system, not a general suspension of trips.
The "Nusk" platform and the digital transformation in Hajj and Umrah services
This event comes within the context of the major digital transformation underway in Saudi Arabia as part of its Vision 2030. The Nusk platform serves as the unified official portal enabling pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques to plan their trips and obtain visas electronically. Egyptian authorities are working in continuous coordination with their Saudi counterparts to ensure the integration of the Egyptian Umrah portal with Saudi platforms, aiming to eliminate unlicensed brokers and intermediaries who could expose pilgrims to fraud or the loss of their rights.
Strict regulations to protect Egyptian pilgrims
In a related context, Samia Sami, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Tourism Companies Affairs, stated that the regulations governing the Umrah season (1447 AH), approved by Minister Sherif Fathy, prioritize the pilgrim's best interests above all else. She emphasized the necessity for companies to adhere to the data registered on the "Egyptian Umrah Portal," which serves as the legal safeguard protecting Egyptian citizens. The portal guarantees a confirmed flight ticket, suitable accommodation, and a clear program for the pilgrim before their departure.
Deterrent legal measures against violators
The Ministry indicated that its inspection committees stationed at Egyptian airports and ports of entry had already detected violations by some companies that failed to adhere to approved travel schedules, causing disruption to flight timetables. Consequently, immediate and decisive legal action was taken against these entities to ensure the smooth running of the season. These steps underscore the Egyptian state's commitment to preserving the reputation of religious tourism and ensuring that citizens can perform their religious rites with ease and convenience, free from any illicit commercial exploitation.
