Union Minister Rijiju confirms safe return of stranded Umrah pilgrims
Union Minister Rijiju confirms safe return of stranded Umrah pilgrims
M.U.H
23/10/20268
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated on October 23 that the Indian government has been proactive in addressing the concerns of its citizens, confirming that stranded Umrah pilgrims have returned safely to India. Assistance continues to be provided to those still awaiting repatriation.
In a post on X, Rijiju noted that over 10,000 Umrah pilgrims had returned earlier and added, “The government is always proactive on the issues and concerns of Indian citizens. The stranded Umrah pilgrims have returned to India safely, in addition to more than 10,000 normal Umrah pilgrims who have returned earlier. Remaining Umrah pilgrims are being assisted.”
The minister also shared contact information for the 24-hour control rooms established to support pilgrims. The Embassy of India in Riyadh can be reached at telephone numbers +966-554412016 and +966-542126784, with a toll-free number 8002471234 available for calls within Saudi Arabia. WhatsApp messages may be sent to +966-536216082. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah is contactable via telephone at +966-12-2614093 and +966-556122301, with WhatsApp messages accepted at +966-536209704.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that approximately 3,000 stranded Indian Umrah pilgrims were repatriated from Saudi Arabia in the past week through coordinated efforts involving Indian diplomatic missions, airlines, and tour operators. This was in addition to more than 10,000 regularly scheduled pilgrims who returned to India during the same period.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah were monitoring the situation closely and providing comprehensive ground support. He stated, “Our Embassy in Riyadh @IndianEmbRiyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah @CGIJeddah are actively engaging with concerned airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of affected pilgrims. Over the past week, about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have travelled from Saudi Arabia back to India on available flights.”
He added, “This is in addition to more than 10,000 normal Umrah pilgrims who were booked on the available flights and have travelled back to India over the past week. Arrangements are being discussed to facilitate the return of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest.”
Jaiswal further highlighted that round-the-clock emergency support mechanisms have been established at both diplomatic stations, supported by local community networks. “Our Embassy and Consulate, with the support from community volunteers, are extending all possible welfare assistance. 24×7 Control Rooms have been established to help Indian nationals, and regular advisories are being issued,” he said.
Separately, on October 22, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that one Indian national was among two people killed in the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on the evening of October 21. Two other Indian nationals were injured in the incident.
The Embassy stated, “Saudi authorities have informed that one Indian national was among two people who unfortunately lost their lives in the attack on Dammam airport yesterday night and two Indian nationals were injured.” It added, “We are ascertaining further details and contacting the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased and we wish speedy recovery of the injured.”
Saudi authorities confirmed that investigations and damage assessments were ongoing, with security agencies coordinating measures to ensure the safety of airport operations and personnel.
