KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Malaysian pilgrims are now among those who are required to use biometric scanning method to obtain an electronic visa (e-visa) for umrah.

According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) yesterday, Saudi’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah announced that pilgrims from five countries — UK, Tunisia, Kuwait, Bangladesh and Malaysia — must provide their biometric data, including fingerprints.

"Pilgrims need to use the ‘Saudi Visa Bio’ application which allows registration through biometric authentication including fingerprints, face, eyes, and a copy of passport to attend Umrah”, said the ministry.

This represents the Saudi government’s commitment to allow biometric registration via mobile devices.

The ministry also explained that this initiative was developed to make it easier for pilgrims to arrange their travel to Makkah without having to physically visit the visa office. — Bernama