“The B2C system is also not in line with the regulations in Indonesia that require the departure of Umrah pilgrims (to be performed) by a licensed PPIU (Organizer of Umrah Pilgrimage),” said Nasrullah Jasam, Consul for Hajj at Consulate General In Antara news agency reported a statement on Friday.
Previously, the implementation of the Umrah package pilgrimage was carried out through a business-to-business (B2B) program managed by the private sector.
The visas of potential pilgrims were submitted to the relevant institutions in Saudi Arabia by the PPIU through a third party.
As part of the B2C program, the potential pilgrims as clients will send their requirements directly to the relevant institutions in Saudi Arabia.
According to Jasam, the implementation of the B2C system is considered risky and difficult to monitor as there will be no PPIUs to assist pilgrims if they encounter difficulties in carrying out the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The new season of Umrah pilgrimage began on July 30 with the arrival of the first group of foreign pilgrims.
Saudi authorities say there is no limit on the number of pilgrims as the country eased COVID-19 restrictions.
