In coordination with the Saudi authorities, the consulate saved no effort to resolve the issue and facilitate the return of the Egyptian citizens, whose travel had been delayed for about 24 hours, back to their home country.

The foreign affairs ministry urged all Egyptian citizens planning to travel to Saudi Arabia on a transit visa to double-check their visa's validity and the duration of stay permitted within Saudi territories.

They should also be meticulous when booking travel tickets to and from Saudi Arabia to avoid legal issues and the possibility of losing their tickets and having to purchase new ones.

The ministry noted the Saudi authorities’ confirmation that the responsibility for booking timing and compliance with the visa's validity period rests solely with the traveller, whether the booking was made personally or through a travel agency.

According to Saudi regulations, the administrative penalty for violating Hajj and Umrah visas is a 10-year ban from entering the country. Meanwhile, violations of visit visas of any type and transit visas result in a three-year ban, the ministry explained.

The consulate's action is part of the state's broader efforts to overcome any obstacles faced by citizens abroad.

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Unlike the Hajj, which has specific dates, Muslims can perform it at any time of the year.

Compared to Hajj, Umrah is a lesser-degree pilgrimage, but it holds great significance in Islam.