MEA: Over 10,000 Umrah Pilgrims Also Returned on Regular Flights

Indian authorities are stepping up efforts to bring home citizens affected by the security situation in Saudi Arabia. Recent strikes on airports and energy sites in the region have unsettled travellers, particularly those heading to Makkah for Umrah.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the role of the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah. Both missions are working with airlines and tour operators to speed up the return of Indian pilgrims who remain in the Kingdom.

The Ministry's spokesperson said that about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had been flown back to India over the past week. Alongside this, more than 10,000 pilgrims returned during the same period on scheduled flights that had been booked before the disruption.

The embassy has confirmed that arrangements for other stranded travellers are still under discussion. Community volunteers are supporting officials on the ground to provide all feasible help.

A 24x7 control room has been launched to handle queries from Indian nationals, and regular advisories are being published. People needing assistance can call the Riyadh embassy at +966-554412016 or +966-542126784. The toll-free helpline 8002471234 is only for calls made within Saudi Arabia, while +966-536216082 accepts WhatsApp messages. Jeddah Consulate contacts are +966-12-2614093 and +966-556122301.

Umrah is a voluntary minor pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Makkah, known in some circles as the "lesser Hajj."