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.

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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

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