KUALA LUMPUR: The Saudi Visa Bio biometric application launched in Malaysia will facilitate the registration of haj and umrah pilgrims in the country as well as shorten the period of entry procedures into the Holy Land.

       According to Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Mahmoud Hussein Saeed Qattan, its move to launch the smartphone app in the country also reflected the strength of the relationship between the two nations.

       At the same time, it reflected the Saudi government’s confidence in the Malaysian agency that managed the haj and umrah pilgrimage, he was quoted by Bernama.

       “In issuing the haj and umrah visas, the Saudi Arabian government has taken the initiative to develop a smartphone-based biometric fingerprint app by investing in advanced, safe and easy-to-use technology,” he said in his speech at the launch here yesterday.

       The Saudi Visa Bio app, which is currently in its first phase, will use fingerprints or facial recognition to complete the umrah or haj visa issuance process.

       The app will also allow haj and umrah visa applicants in Malaysia to register their data via smartphone, and for their visas to be issued electronically without having to visit a visa issuance centre.

       Among the advantages of using the Saudi Visa Bio to apply for the visas is when the pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia, they need only match their data without having to re-register, thus facilitating their entry process through any gateway.

       Launched in Saudi Arabia in 2021 by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the app is in line with the order of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to offer the best services and facilities for pilgrims.

       Saudi Arabia is the first country to use this technology via smartphones for electronic visa issuance.