Around 3,000 Stranded Indian Umrah Pilgrims Return Home From Saudi Arabia
Around 3,000 stranded Indian Umrah pilgrims have returned from Saudi Arabia over the past week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, citing coordination between Indian diplomatic missions, airlines and tour operators.
Additionally, over 10,000 regular Umrah pilgrims have returned to India during the same period. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are providing round-the-clock assistance and working to facilitate the return of those still stranded.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said authorities are discussing arrangements to ensure the remaining pilgrims return home at the earliest.
The development comes after an incident at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 21. Saudi authorities said investigations and damage assessments were underway, with measures being taken to ensure the safety of passengers and airport staff.
