India is stepping up efforts to facilitate the return of stranded Umrah pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah coordinating with airlines and tour operators.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, around 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims travelled back to India on available flights over the past week. In addition, more than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims who had booked available flights also returned to India during the same period.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Around 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims returned to India over the past week.
More than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims also returned on available flights during the same period.
Indian missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are coordinating with airlines and tour operators.
Welfare assistance and 24-hour helplines are available for Indian nationals.
The ministry said arrangements were being discussed to facilitate the return of the remaining affected pilgrims at the earliest.
The Indian Embassy and Consulate, with support from community volunteers, are providing welfare assistance to Indian nationals. Both missions have established 24-hour control rooms to assist pilgrims and are issuing regular advisories.
24×7 Helpline Numbers
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The coordination aims to help affected Indian pilgrims return safely and access assistance while travel arrangements are being worked out.
Embassy of India, Riyadh
- Phone: +966-554412016
- Phone: +966-542126748
- Toll-free: 8002471234 (calls from within Saudi Arabia only)
- WhatsApp: +966-536216082 (messages only)
Consulate General of India, Jeddah
- Phone: +966-12-2614093
- Phone: +966-556122301
- WhatsApp: +966-536209704 (messages only)
