KUALA LUMPUR: The 'Saudi Visa Bio' biometric app launched in Malaysia today will facilitate the registration of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from Malaysia, besides shortening the period of entry procedures into the Holy Land.
According to Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Mahmoud Hussein Saeed Qattan, Saudi Arabia's move to launch the smartphone app in Malaysia reflects the strength of the relationship between the two countries.
At the same time, it reflects the Saudi government's confidence in the Malaysian agency that manages Hajj and Umrah, he said.
"The Saudi Arabian government, in issuing Hajj and Umrah visas, 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 of the app, here, today.
The Saudi Visa Bio app, which is currently in its first phase, will use fingerprints or faces to complete the Umrah or Hajj visa issuance process.
The app will also allow Hajj and Umrah visa applicants in Malaysia to register their data via smartphone, and their visas will be issued electronically without having to visit a visa issuance centre.
Among the advantages of visa application through Saudi Visa Bio app is that when pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia, they only need to match their data without having to re-register - facilitating their entry process through any gateway.
The app was launched in Saudi Arabia in 2021 by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and 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 in the world to use biometric registration technology via smartphones for electronic visa issuance.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Mar 28 2022
Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Mahmoud Hussein Saeed Qattan said Saudi Arabia's move to launch the smartphone app in Malaysia reflects the strength of the relationship between the two countries. - BERNAMA
Man charged with mother's murder, storing body in freezer
The court denied bail and scheduled case mention on Feb 7 for the submission of forensic, autopsy, and chemist reports.
Abolition of examination in schools to reduce pressure on pupils - Fadhlina
The classroom assessment approach offers a much more interesting learning ecosystem, says Fadhlina Sidek.
Google, Meta urge Australia to delay bill on social media ban for children
Google and Meta says the government should wait for the results of an age-verification trial before going ahead.
Judge tosses Trump 2020 election case after prosecutors' request
It represents a big legal victory for Donald Trump, who won the Nov. 5 US election and is set to return to office on Jan. 20.
DHL plane crash in Lithuania leaves authorities searching for answers
Rescue services said the plane hit the ground, split into pieces and slid over 100 metres (110 yards).
National squad to hold friendly matches for 2025 Indoor Hockey World Cup
The warm-up matches will involve matches against better ranked teams in the world, namely Austria (first) and Belgium (third).
G7 seeks unity on ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu
The United States, part of the G7, has rejected the ICC decision, with President Joe Biden describing it as outrageous.
Francissca Peter remembers Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab: A tribute to a musical legend
A legend who has influenced our music for decades, was one of the highlights of my career, says Francissca Peter.
TikTok decision coming soon as Jan. 19 divestment deadline looms
Judges are reviewing TikTok's challenge to a law requiring ByteDance to sell its US assets by Jan. 19 or face a ban.
Lebanese sources: Biden, Macron set to announce Israel-Hezbollah truce
In Washington, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said, "We're close" but "nothing is done until everything is done".
PM meets chaebol tycoon to attract more FDI to Malaysia
Chaebols are prominent figures from South Korea's family-owned conglomerates.
Govt won't allow non-citizen vehicles to enjoy RON95 subsidy - Economy Ministry
The implementation of the RON95 subsidy in 2025 is expected to provide savings of RM3.6 billion to government expenditure.
Ringgit opens lower as greenback gains ground
Dr Mohd Afzanizam says the market responded positively to news of hedge fund manager Scott Bessent heading the US Treasury Department.
Management of low-cost housing, gov't quarters, focus at Dewan Rakyat today
Also among the highlights, UNICEF report on 12.3pct of teenagers in Klang Valley's PPR face mental health issues and suicidal tendencies.
UN Resolution 1701, cornerstone of any Israel-Hezbollah truce
Here are the resolution's main terms, and a note about subsequent violations and tensions.
Record aid worker deaths in 2024 in 'era of impunity', UN says
So far this year there have been 281 aid worker victims, according to the Aid Worker Security database.
Why India's toxic farm fire counting method is disputed
Here's how India counts farm fires - a major contributor to severe pollution in the north - and why its method is being questioned.
Divisions on curbing plastic waste persist as UN treaty talks begin
South Korea is hosting the fifth and ostensibly final UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting this week.
Transport Ministry to study proposal for senior citizen licence renewal assessments - Loke
The Transport Ministry will review a proposal requiring senior citizens aged 65 and above to undergo competency and health assessments before renewing their Malaysian Driving Licence.
PM encourages South Korean investors to explore opportunities in Malaysia
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed investors from South Korea to explore the various opportunities available in Malaysia.