RIYADH, March 11: In order to curb overcrowding and overstaying, Saudi Arabia has fixed the number of visas to be issued each month for Umrah, and pilgrims will be allowed only one month instead of three months for travel to Saudi Arabia after endorsement of visas on their passport.

Further, the duration of stay will also depend on the package they buy from the local Umrah agents. Approval of Umrah visas would depend on payment of charges for the package selected.

Umrah agencies here are offering various packages with different duration of stay. Each package is charged differently depending upon the services and duration opted for by the pilgrims.

No visa will be issued unless it is compatible with the means of transport and the duration of stay.

For those coming by air, the duration of stay should not be less than five days. For those arriving by sea and land route, the duration of stay should not be less than 10 days.

The maximum fee for a five-day package has been fixed at SR650. For stay of any additional day, the pilgrim will have to pay SR80 extra. Some nationalities, known for overstaying, will have to deposit SR3,000 before embarking on Umrah. Those who do not leave the kingdom within the stipulated time period will forfeit the SR3,000 deposit.

To make agents ensure the departure of the pilgrims, local Umrah companies have been asked to deposit a cheque of SR100,000 before signing any contract with foreign agents.

No foreign agent of the local Umrah companies will be issued more than 3,000 visas. The approved visas will have to be processed by the foreign agents within 15 days of issuance.