New Saudi Complications for Yemeni Pilgrims

Saudi authorities have deliberately imposed new complications on Yemeni pilgrims, adding to a series of obstacles and hardships the Kingdom imposes on Yemenis wishing to visit the Holy Mosque in Mecca.

According to multiple sources, Yemeni Hajj and Umrah travel agencies have received messages from the Saudi side requiring prepayment of hotel booking fees and specifying the length of stay.

The Saudi messages included threats to close the agencies if the pilgrim does not return within the specified period, a move aimed at forcing agencies to demand substantial financial guarantees that most pilgrims may not be able to provide.