JUST KNOW, THIS IS THE REASON WHY UMROH NEED A LONG DEPARTURE TIME SCHEDULE?

JUST KNOW, THIS IS THE REASON WHY UMROH NEED A LONG DEPARTURE TIME SCHEDULE? - As Muslims, of course, if we have more funds or the opportunity to perform Umrah then of course we as believers would really like to visit the holy land in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet. Umrah is a form of worship that is highly desired by Muslims throughout the world. As a spiritual journey carried out in the Holy Land, Umrah requires thorough preparation both mentally, physically and administratively. However, it is not uncommon for prospective pilgrims to face the fact that the departure time for Umrah often takes quite a long time. This raises the question, why does the Umrah departure process take so long? This article will discuss the reasons behind this in depth.

1. Complicated Administrative Process

One of the main factors that causes the Umrah departure time to be long is the administrative process which is quite complex. Some important documents that need to be prepared include:

Passport: Every prospective pilgrim must have a valid passport. Processing a passport takes time, especially for those who are getting one for the first time.

Umrah Visa: Visa for Umrah is issued by the government of Saudi Arabia. The visa application process involves rigorous data checks to ensure that prospective pilgrims meet all requirements.

Additional Documents: Documents such as meningitis vaccine certificate and other health requirements must also be completed.

All of these processes require coordination between the travel agency, the Indonesian government and the Saudi Arabian government. If there are errors or delays in processing documents, the departure time may be delayed.

2. High demand in certain seasons

Umrah is a pilgrimage that can be performed throughout the year, but there are certain seasons where demand increases drastically, such as:

Ramadan: Many pilgrims choose to perform Umrah in the month of Ramadan because it is believed to have greater rewards.

School Holidays: This time is often used by families to go on worship trips together.

The high number of registrants during this season often causes long queues to get a departure schedule. Airline capacity and accommodation in Mecca and Medina are also challenges that must be overcome.

3. Limitations of Quotas and Government Regulations

The Saudi Arabian government sets certain quotas for each country for Umrah pilgrims. This quota aims to regulate the number of pilgrims entering so that there is no crowding in holy places. On the other hand, the Indonesian government also has regulations regarding the departure of Umrah pilgrims, including regulations regarding health and safety.

This quota limitation causes travel agents to schedule departures in shifts. Prospective pilgrims who register early usually get an earlier schedule, while those who register later have to wait their turn.

4. Complex Logistics Preparations

Umrah travel involves many logistical aspects, such as:

Transportation: International flight tickets must be booked and adjusted to the congregation's departure schedule.

Accommodation: Accommodation in Mecca and Medina must be arranged according to the number of pilgrims departing.

Consumption: Providing food during the trip must also be planned well.

Coordinating all these elements requires time and careful planning. If there are schedule changes or technical problems, this may affect departure times.

5. Congregation Provision and Training Process

Before leaving, prospective pilgrims are usually required to take part in the Umrah rituals. This ritual aims to provide an understanding of the procedures for the Umrah pilgrimage and prepare the congregation mentally and physically. This training takes several days to several weeks, depending on the program organized by the travel agency.

This process is very important to ensure that the congregation understands every stage of the Umrah pilgrimage, from intention to tawaf and sa'i. However, this training also increases the time required before departure.

6. Health and Safety Challenges

The health and safety of pilgrims is the main priority during the Umrah trip. Before departure, prospective pilgrims must undergo a health check to ensure that they are fit. Apart from that, pilgrims must also receive certain vaccinations, such as the meningitis vaccine, to prevent the spread of disease during the trip.

In certain situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, health requirements become more stringent. The governments of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are implementing special protocols, such as PCR tests and quarantine, which require additional time.

7. Airline Capacity

Air transportation is the main component of Umrah travel. However, the availability of airlines serving routes to Jeddah or Medina is often limited. During the peak season, flight schedules become busy, so travel agents have to look for alternative schedules that fit the pilgrim quota.

Technical issues such as flight delays or schedule cancellations can also affect departure times. Therefore, flexibility in departure schedules is often necessary.

8. Coordination with Partners in Saudi Arabia

Travel agencies in Indonesia work together with partners in Saudi Arabia to arrange all pilgrims' needs, from local transportation to prayer guide services. This coordination process requires intensive communication to ensure all services are available according to schedule.

If there is a communication error or sudden change, the travel agency will need to readjust the departure plan, which of course requires additional time.

9. Mental and Spiritual Preparation of the Congregation

Apart from technical and administrative factors, the Umrah departure time is also used to prepare the prospective pilgrims mentally and spiritually. Umrah is not only a physical journey, but also an inner journey that requires heart readiness. Congregants are often directed to increase their worship and improve their intentions during the waiting period before departure.

Solutions to Speed ​​Up Departure Times

Although there are many factors that cause the Umrah departure time to be long, several steps can be taken to speed up the process:

Register Early: Prospective pilgrims who register early usually have a greater chance of getting an earlier departure schedule.

Choosing a Trusted Travel Agency: Experienced travel agencies usually have a more efficient system for processing documents and logistics.

Complete Documents Quickly: Make sure all documents, such as passports and vaccine certificates, are ready before registering.

Follow Procedures Orderly: Adhering to the tour schedule and instructions from the travel agency will help speed up the process.

The long Umrah departure time is caused by various factors, ranging from complicated administrative processes to logistical preparations and the health of the congregation. Although this can be a challenge, prospective pilgrims can overcome this obstacle with good planning and working with a professional travel agency. In the end, this waiting time can be used to prepare oneself physically, mentally and spiritually, so that the Umrah journey becomes more meaningful and solemn.

Hopefully, with thorough preparation and true determination, God willing, we will be given the opportunity to go to the holy land