Quick Summary
- Expat workers with valid iqama can perform Umrah without a separate Umrah visa
- Your iqama serves as your entry document for the Haramain (Makkah and Madinah)
- Non-Muslim expats cannot enter Makkah or Madinah regardless of iqama status
- No specific Umrah leave entitlement in Saudi Labour Law — use annual leave or agree with employer
- Family from abroad needs a proper Umrah visa to perform Umrah
- Nusuk app is the main platform for registering and booking Umrah from inside Saudi Arabia
Performing Umrah as a Resident Expat Worker
One of the significant benefits of working in Saudi Arabia as a Muslim expat is the ease of access to Umrah. Unlike pilgrims traveling from abroad who need a specific Umrah visa, resident expat workers with a valid iqama can travel to Makkah and perform Umrah without any additional visa documentation.
Your valid iqama is your entry document — it establishes your legal residency in Saudi Arabia and grants you the right to travel within the country including to the holy cities. This makes performing Umrah significantly more accessible for resident expats compared to overseas pilgrims.
What You Need to Perform Umrah from Saudi Arabia
- Valid iqama — must be active and not expired. An expired iqama creates problems at checkpoints and during the Umrah registration process.
- Nusuk app registration — the Saudi government requires Umrah performers to register and book permits through the official Nusuk app. Download from the App Store or Google Play.
- Ihram clothing — for men, the two white unstitched cloths. Women's Ihram follows Islamic dress requirements.
- Approved leave from employer — while there is no specific Umrah leave entitlement in law, most Saudi employers accommodate Umrah requests reasonably. See the leave section below.
Umrah Leave — What Are Your Entitlements?
Saudi Labour Law does not include a specific Umrah leave entitlement separate from annual leave. However in practice:
- Many Saudi employers grant 3–5 days for Umrah as a goodwill gesture — especially during Ramadan. Check your company's HR policy.
- Annual leave is the formal route — if your employer does not have a specific Umrah leave policy, request annual leave days for the trip.
- Ramadan Umrah — during the holy month many Saudi companies have more flexible attendance expectations. Discuss with your manager well in advance.
- Weekend Umrah — many expats perform Umrah over a Thursday-Friday or Friday-Saturday weekend without needing to take leave at all. Makkah is accessible by road from major cities in a few hours.
Booking Umrah Through Nusuk App
Download and Register on Nusuk
Download the Nusuk app from App Store or Google Play. Register with your iqama number, mobile number and basic personal details. Nusuk is the official Saudi government platform for managing Umrah permits and bookings.
Book an Umrah Permit
Select your preferred date and time slot for performing Umrah. During peak periods — Ramadan especially — permits book up quickly. Plan well ahead. The permit is linked to your iqama number.
Book Accommodation in Makkah if Needed
The Nusuk app also facilitates hotel bookings near the Masjid Al-Haram. For overnight or multi-day Umrah trips book accommodation well in advance — prices spike significantly during Ramadan and peak periods.
Travel to Makkah
Travel by car, bus or the Haramain High Speed Railway depending on your location. From Jeddah the railway is the fastest option. From Riyadh most residents drive or take intercity transport. Carry your iqama and your Nusuk permit confirmation.
Bringing Family from Abroad for Umrah
If your family is not residing in Saudi Arabia and wants to visit for Umrah they need a proper Umrah visa — your iqama does not cover them. The process:
- Family applies for an Umrah visa through an approved Umrah travel agent in their home country or directly through the Saudi embassy depending on nationality
- The Umrah visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days and is specifically for performing Umrah — not for general tourism
- You as the Saudi resident can sponsor their visit visa separately if they want to combine Umrah with visiting you — but this requires a family visit visa not an Umrah visa
- Book early for Ramadan — Umrah visas for the holy month are issued in limited numbers and are extremely popular
Umrah During Ramadan — Special Considerations
Ramadan Umrah holds special significance and is extremely popular. As a Saudi resident you have an advantage — you can perform Umrah any time during Ramadan without the travel and visa hurdles faced by overseas pilgrims. However:
- Crowds in Makkah during Ramadan — especially the last 10 nights — are extremely dense. Plan for early morning or late night visits for better access to the Kaaba.
- Accommodation prices in Makkah during Ramadan peak dramatically — book months in advance if staying overnight.
- Traffic on the Makkah road from Jeddah and Riyadh is heavy during Ramadan evenings. Allow extra travel time.
- Nusuk permit slots during Ramadan fill very quickly — book your preferred date as soon as the booking window opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
My iqama is under renewal. Can I still perform Umrah?
If your iqama is under renewal you should have a renewal receipt or document from your employer or the Jawazat. In most cases this is accepted at checkpoints. However an expired iqama without any renewal documentation creates risk at entry checkpoints. Ideally perform Umrah after your iqama renewal is confirmed on Absher.
Can my non-Muslim colleague visit Madinah even if not Makkah?
No — Madinah is also restricted to Muslims only. Both Makkah and Madinah have entry restrictions for non-Muslims enforced at road checkpoints on all major entry routes. This applies to all expat workers regardless of iqama status.
How many times can I perform Umrah per year as a Saudi resident?
There is no fixed annual limit for Saudi residents performing Umrah. You can perform Umrah multiple times throughout the year — the Nusuk permit system manages access and capacity at specific times. During non-peak periods access is more flexible. During Ramadan and Hajj season the permit system is more strictly managed.
Is there any Umrah-related leave that my employer must give me?
Saudi Labour Law does not mandate specific Umrah leave. However performing Umrah is a deeply respected religious obligation in Saudi culture and most employers — particularly Saudi-owned companies — are very accommodating. Make a respectful request to your manager well in advance. For the Hajj pilgrimage (which is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for eligible Muslims) some companies do provide specific Hajj leave as a policy benefit.
Questions About Leave or Visa for Umrah?
Whether you need guidance on leave entitlements, bringing family for Umrah or any other Saudi residency question — book a consultation for clear personalised advice.