| The Umrah visa entry validity was reduced from 90 days to 30 days in late 2025 by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This means UAE residents must now enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the visa issue date not their travel date or any other date. The 30-day countdown begins the moment the visa is issued. If you fail to enter within this window, the visa is automatically cancelled with no extension or refund. However, the stay duration after arrival remains unchanged at up to 90 days. This single rule change affects every Umrah plan from the UAE, and getting the timing right is now essential. |
What Is the Umrah Visa 30-Day Rule? Plain Language Explanation
Until late 2025, UAE residents who received their Saudi Umrah visa had 90 days three full months to enter Saudi Arabia after the visa was issued. This gave pilgrims significant flexibility to book flights, adjust travel plans, or wait for a better season before travelling. That window has been cut to just 30 days. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made this change in late 2025 as part of a broader set of reforms to manage pilgrim flow, enforce pre-arrival readiness requirements, and reduce the number of visas issued far in advance that never get used.What exactly changed:
The entry validity the period within which you must first enter Saudi Arabia after your visa is issued has been shortened from 90 days to 30 days. This is an entry window change only. Once inside Saudi Arabia, your permitted stay duration is unchanged at up to 90 days.
The rule in simple terms:
| Rule | Old (Before Late 2025) | New (2026) |
| Entry window after visa issuance | 90 days (3 months) | 30 days (1 month) |
| Countdown starts from | Visa issue date | Visa issue date (unchanged) |
| Stay duration after arrival | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days (unchanged) |
| What happens if you miss the 30 days | Visa invalid after 90 days | Visa cancelled automatically after 30 days |
| Can you extend the entry window | Not officially | No — no extensions permitted |
| Can you extend your stay inside KSA | Only for medical emergencies | Only for documented medical emergencies |
Why Did Saudi Arabia Reduce the Umrah Visa Entry Validity?
The 30-day entry validity change is one of several reforms introduced by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the 2026-2027 (1448 AH) Umrah season. Understanding why this rule was introduced helps UAE pilgrims appreciate why it is unlikely to be reversed soon.Reducing Unused Visas
A significant number of visas issued in previous seasons were never used. Pilgrims applied months in advance, plans changed, and visas expired unused. The Saudi system was processing millions of applications for trips that never happened. Shortening the entry window to 30 days ensures that only pilgrims with firm, imminent travel plans are applying.Enforcing the ‘No Booking, No Visa’ Ecosystem
The 30-day rule works hand-in-hand with the mandatory pre-booking requirement. Since 2026, pilgrims cannot receive a visa until they have confirmed hotel and transport bookings with a valid Booking Reference Number (BRN) logged in the Nusuk system. If bookings are confirmed, travel should be imminent making the 30-day window realistic for genuine pilgrims.Managing Seasonal Crowd Peaks
By encouraging pilgrims to apply closer to their actual travel date, the Ministry gains better real-time visibility into pilgrim arrival volumes. This supports the AI-powered crowd management systems now active at Masjid al-Haram and improves resource allocation for accommodation, transport, and health services.Reducing Overstay Incidents
A tighter entry window, combined with strict departure deadlines at the end of each season, reduces the risk of pilgrims overstaying their visa. Overstaying carries penalties of SAR 100 per day and a first-time overstay fine of up to SAR 15,000, plus travel bans affecting future applications.The 30-Day Rule Exactly How It Works for UAE Residents
| Critical detail: The 30-day countdown begins from the visa ISSUE DATE not from your flight booking date, your departure date, or any date you choose. If your visa is issued on 1 June 2026, you must physically enter Saudi Arabia by 1 July 2026. If you enter on 2 July 2026, your visa is already invalid. |
Real World Examples for UAE Pilgrims
| Visa Issued On | Must Enter By | Planned Trip Date | Status |
| 1 June 2026 | 1 July 2026 | 20 June 2026 | Safe — 20 days to spare |
| 1 June 2026 | 1 July 2026 | 30 June 2026 | Safe — just within window |
| 1 June 2026 | 1 July 2026 | 2 July 2026 | VISA CANCELLED — 1 day late |
| 1 June 2026 | 1 July 2026 | 15 July 2026 | VISA CANCELLED — 14 days late |
| 15 June 2026 | 15 July 2026 | 20 July 2026 | VISA CANCELLED — 5 days late |
| 15 June 2026 | 15 July 2026 | 10 July 2026 | Safe — 5 days to spare |
The Entry Window vs. The Stay Duration Key Difference
Many UAE pilgrims confuse the entry validity with the stay duration. These are two completely separate things and it is crucial to understand how they interact:- Entry validity (30 days): The window within which you must first enter Saudi Arabia after your visa is issued. Miss this and the visa is void.
- Stay duration (up to 90 days): How long you can remain inside Saudi Arabia after you have entered. This has not changed.
What Happens If Your Visa Lapses?
If you do not enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of your visa issue date, the visa is automatically cancelled by the Saudi system. There is no grace period, no official warning, and no refund of application fees. You must submit a completely new visa application, restart the Nusuk booking process, and pay all fees again.| Important for UAE expats: If your visa lapses because your UAE residence visa also expired or was renewed during that period, you may need to resubmit documents reflecting your updated residency status alongside the new Umrah visa application. |
Season Deadlines 1448 AH Umrah Season Key Dates
Beyond the 30-day individual entry window, the Umrah season itself has fixed start and end deadlines set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. These hard cut-off dates apply regardless of when your individual visa was issued.| Milestone | 2025-2026 Season (1447 AH) | 2026-2027 Season (1448 AH) |
| Season opens (visa issuance begins) | Post-Hajj 2025 | 31 May 2026 |
| Last date to issue new visas | 19 March 2026 | Expected to close in March 2027 (exact date to be confirmed by Saudi authorities — check nusuk.sa) |
| Final entry deadline (all pilgrims) | 2 April 2026 | 23 March 2027 |
| Mandatory departure deadline | 18 April 2026 | 7 April 2027 |
| Umrah suspended (Hajj blackout) | Mid-April to end May 2026 | Mid-April to end May 2027 |
| Planning tip for UAE residents: The safest Umrah booking window for the 1448 AH season is June 2026 to January 2027 well within season boundaries, away from Ramadan peak, and with maximum hotel and flight availability. |
How to Avoid the 30-Day Trap The Right Sequence for UAE Residents
The 30-day rule catches pilgrims who apply for their visa too early. The correct approach is to lock in your travel dates first, then apply for the visa. Here is the exact sequence UAE residents should follow:- Decide your exact travel dates lock in the week you want to travel
- Book your return flights from Dubai, Sharjah, or Abu Dhabi to Jeddah or Madinah
- Book your Nusuk-approved hotels in Makkah and Madinah (required for BRN)
- Book Nusuk-compliant ground transport airport transfer and intercity travel
- Obtain your Booking Reference Number (BRN) from Nusuk this is now mandatory before visa issuance
- Apply for your Saudi Umrah eVisa ONLY AFTER all above steps — typically 20-25 days before your departure
- Receive visa approval note the issue date carefully and mark the 30-day deadline in your calendar
- Register on the Nusuk app using your visa details allow 24-48 hours after issuance for the system to sync
- Book your Umrah permit QR code through Nusuk
- Fly to Saudi Arabia ensure your entry date falls within your 30-day window
| Golden rule for UAE pilgrims: Never apply for your Umrah visa more than 25 days before your planned departure date. If your flight is on 20 July, apply for your visa around 25-28 June. This gives you 3-5 days buffer while ensuring the 30-day window covers your entire trip. |
Visa Options Available to UAE Residents — 30-Day Rule Applies to Most
The 30-day entry validity applies to most visa types used for Umrah by UAE residents, with some exceptions noted below (transit visas and sponsor-linked family visas). Here is how the rule affects each visa type:Dedicated Umrah eVisa
The most straightforward option for UAE residents planning a dedicated Umrah trip. Apply directly via the Nusuk platform or through a licensed UAE agent. Processing is typically 2-4 business days via Nusuk, or 3-5 business days through an agent. The 30-day entry window begins the moment the visa email arrives, not when you read it.| Detail | Specification |
| Cost via licensed agent | AED 150-300 service fee (government visa fee typically included) |
| Cost if self-applying via Nusuk | SAR 300 (~AED 295) visa fee + SAR 39 application fee + insurance from SAR 28 |
| Entry window | 30 days from issue date |
| Stay duration | Up to 90 days after entry |
| Processing time | 2-5 business days (Nusuk/agent) |
| Multiple entry | No — single entry only |
| Best for | Pilgrims travelling specifically and only for Umrah |
Saudi Tourist eVisa (Used for Umrah Under Any Visa Policy)
UAE residents holding a valid Saudi tourist eVisa can now perform Umrah under the 2026 ‘Any Visa Is an Umrah Visa‘ policy. The tourist eVisa has different base terms than the dedicated Umrah visa, but the 30-day entry window for first-time entry still applies in context of the Umrah season deadlines.| Detail | Specification |
| Cost | SAR 650 (~AED 640) including medical insurance |
| Validity | 1 year from issue |
| Entry type | Multiple entry |
| Stay per visit | Up to 90 days per visit |
| Umrah eligible | Yes — outside Hajj blackout, with Nusuk permit |
| Entry window | 1-year visa but Umrah season cut-offs still apply |
| Best for | UAE residents combining tourism with Umrah, or frequent Umrah performers |
Family / Personal Visit Visa
| Detail | Specification |
| Eligibility | UAE residents visiting Saudi family |
| Umrah eligible | Yes under any-visa policy, outside Hajj blackout |
| 30-day rule | Entry window depends on sponsor visa issuance |
| Nusuk permit | Mandatory regardless of visa type |
| Best for | UAE residents already visiting family in KSA |
Transit Visa (Saudia / Flynas Stopover Up to 96 Hours)
UAE residents flying with Saudia or Flynas can obtain a free transit visa valid for up to 96 hours. The 30-day entry validity rule does not apply to transit visas in the same way they activate upon landing. However, the 96-hour window must be sufficient to complete Umrah. Nusuk registration and permit booking must still be completed before using this route.What Is the ‘No Booking, No Visa’ Rule and How It Connects to the 30-Day Rule
The 30-day entry validity rule does not exist in isolation it operates as part of a wider 2026 reform package that includes the mandatory pre booking requirement, often called the ‘no booking, no visa’ rule. Since 2026, UAE pilgrims cannot receive a Saudi Umrah visa until they have confirmed hotel and transport bookings registered in the Nusuk system with a valid Booking Reference Number (BRN). This pre booking requirement ensures that by the time a visa is issued, the pilgrim’s entire trip infrastructure is already confirmed making the 30-day entry window a practical and achievable deadline rather than a hardship.What Must Be Pre-Booked Before Visa Issuance?
- Hotel accommodation in Makkah (mandatory) booked through a Nusuk approved provider
- Hotel accommodation in Madinah (strongly recommended) Nusuk approved provider
- Airport arrival transfer Nusuk licensed transport only (not Uber/Careem)
- Intercity transport: Makkah to Madinah or Madinah to Makkah Nusuk licensed provider
- Airport departure transfer Nusuk licensed transport
Overstaying Your Umrah Visa UAE Residents Must Know These Penalties
While the 30-day entry validity is the most discussed change, UAE pilgrims must also be aware of the strict penalties for overstaying once inside Saudi Arabia particularly as the Umrah season approaches its mandatory departure deadline.| Violation | Penalty |
| Overstaying by 1-30 days | SAR 100 per day (AED 98/day) |
| First-time overstay overall | Up to SAR 15,000 (~AED 14,700) additional penalty |
| Repeat overstay | Increased fines + potential travel ban |
| Missing mandatory departure deadline | Fines + difficulty obtaining future Saudi visas |
| Working on Umrah visa | Deportation + ban from Saudi Arabia |
| Performing any activity not permitted by visa type | Visa cancellation and possible deportation |
| Season exit deadline warning: For the 2026-2027 (1448 AH) season, ALL international Umrah pilgrims must depart Saudi Arabia by 7 April 2027. If your visa was issued legitimately and your stay is within 90 days, but this date arrives, you must still leave by 7 April 2027. Book your return flight accordingly. |
Can the Umrah Visa Entry Validity Be Extended?
This is one of the most common questions UAE pilgrims ask and the answer is almost always no.Standard Visa Extensions: Not Available
Traditional dedicated Umrah visas cannot be extended. Neither can tourist eVisas used for Umrah. Once your 30-day entry window lapses without entering Saudi Arabia, the visa is cancelled and you must reapply from scratch paying all fees again and restarting the Nusuk booking process.Tourist eVisa Re-Entry Exception
If you hold a 1-year multiple entry Saudi tourist eVisa (which some UAE residents use under the any visa policy), you can exit Saudi Arabia and re-enter with the same eVisa as long as it is still within its 1-year validity period and you have not exhausted your permitted stay durations. This is not an extension it is a new entry on the same visa.Medical Emergency Extension
The only circumstance in which Saudi authorities grant a stay extension is a documented medical emergency that makes it physically impossible for the pilgrim to depart. This requires:- Official medical documentation from a Saudi registered hospital or clinic
- Direct application to the Saudi Directorate of Passports
- Approval granted at the discretion of the authorities not guaranteed
Umrah Visa Requirements for UAE Residents Full 2026 Checklist
Understanding the 30-day rule is only one part of Umrah visa compliance. Here is the complete requirements checklist for UAE residents in 2026:Document Requirements
- Valid passport minimum 6 months validity from your planned entry date into Saudi Arabia
- Valid UAE residence visa minimum 3 months remaining (for expats)
- Emirates ID for all UAE expat applicants
- Recent passport-size photograph colour, white background, 35x45mm
- Completed Nusuk Booking Reference Number (BRN) for confirmed hotel and transport
- Return airline ticket departing Saudi Arabia within your permitted stay period
- Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate mandatory, taken at least 10 days before travel, valid for 3 years
- Medical insurance mandatory, minimum SAR 28 through approved providers
Health Requirements
| Vaccine / Health Requirement | Status | Notes |
| Meningitis (ACWY) | MANDATORY | Must be taken at least 10 days before entry. Valid 3 years. |
| COVID-19 | Not currently mandatory | Recommended for elderly and immunocompromised |
| Seasonal Flu | Recommended | Especially for Ramadan season travel |
| Yellow Fever | If travelling from endemic country | Check with your UAE clinic |
| Medical Insurance | MANDATORY | Minimum SAR 28 through Nusuk-approved providers |
Special Requirements by Pilgrim Type
| Pilgrim Type | Special Requirement |
| UAE citizens (Emirati passport) | No visa required — GCC citizens enter Saudi Arabia visa-free |
| UAE expats (most nationalities) | Saudi eVisa via Nusuk — UAE residence visa 3+ months required |
| Pakistani/Indian passport holders in UAE | Visa typically through licensed agent; Nusuk permit self-managed |
| Women aged 18 and above | No mahram required — confirmed 2026 policy |
| Women under 18 | Must travel with parent or male guardian |
| Children under 18 | Parent applies on their behalf; added as companion on Nusuk |
| New Muslims | Certificate from UAE mosque or Islamic centre confirming faith |
| Pilgrims with non-Muslim names | Certificate from UAE Islamic centre confirming Islam |
Best Timing Strategy for UAE Residents Avoid the 30-Day Trap
Given the 30-day entry window, the smartest approach for UAE residents is to develop a clear timing strategy before starting any Umrah booking. Here is a month-by-month guide for the 1448 AH season (2026-2027):| Month (2026-2027) | Crowd Level | Hotel Cost (near Haram) | Recommended Visa Apply Date | Notes |
| June-July 2026 | Very Low | AED 60-200/night | Apply 20-25 days before travel | Best value — season just opened |
| August-September 2026 | Low | AED 80-250/night | Apply 20-25 days before travel | Ideal for budget-conscious UAE pilgrims |
| October-November 2026 | Low-Medium | AED 100-300/night | Apply 20-25 days before travel | Good weather, manageable crowds |
| December 2026 | Medium | AED 150-400/night | Apply 20-25 days before travel | School holiday season — book early |
| January 2027 | Medium-High | AED 200-500/night | Apply 20-25 days before travel | Good season for UAE families |
| Ramadan 2027 (approx) | Very High | AED 500-2,500+/night | Apply 15-20 days before travel | Most reward, highest cost |
| March 2027 | Season closing | Limited availability | Apply urgently if still planning | Last visa issuance around March 2027 |
Umrah Visa Costs for UAE Residents Full 2026 Breakdown
| Visa Type | Visa Fee | Application Fee | Insurance | Total (Approx.) | Multiple Entry? |
| Dedicated Umrah eVisa (self-apply via Nusuk) | SAR 300 (~AED 295) | SAR 39 (~AED 38) | From SAR 28 (~AED 27) | ~AED 360 minimum | No |
| Dedicated Umrah via agent | SAR 300 (included in agent fee) | AED 150-300 (agent fee) | Included | AED 150-300 | No |
| Tourist eVisa (any-visa policy) | SAR 650 (~AED 640) | Included | Included | ~AED 640 | Yes — 1 year |
| Transit visa (Saudia/Flynas) | Free | Free | Own arrangement | ~AED 27-50 (insurance) | No — 96 hrs |
| UAE citizen (Emirati passport) | No visa required | None | Own arrangement | ~AED 0 visa cost | Visa-free |
Umrah Visa Application Fast Track for UAE Residents (Step-by-Step)
Route 1: Self-Apply via Nusuk (GCC Residents Fastest)
- Confirm your travel dates, book flights, hotel, transport get BRN
- Go to umrah.nusuk.sa → click ‘eSaudi Visa’ → select your nationality
- Select ‘Saudi Visa Online (eVisa)’ cost SAR 300 + SAR 39 + insurance
- Upload: passport copy, UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, photo
- Enter your Nusuk Booking Reference Number (BRN)
- Select medical insurance provider (from SAR 28)
- Submit — processing is typically 2-4 business days via Nusuk for GCC residents, occasionally faster
- Receive visa by email NOTE THE ISSUE DATE immediately
- Mark your 30-day entry deadline in your calendar do this immediately upon receipt
- Register on Nusuk app 24-48 hours after visa issuance book your Umrah permit QR code
Route 2: Via Licensed UAE Agent (Recommended for Pakistani/Indian Passports)
- Contact UAEUmrah.com or book through our licensed UAE Umrah packages
- Confirm your exact travel dates with the agent before submitting any documents
- Submit: passport, UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, photo, meningitis certificate
- Agent submits to Nusuk-compliant system processing 3-5 business days
- Receive visa note the issue date and 30-day deadline
- Self-register on Nusuk app (agent cannot do this for you)
- Book your own Umrah permit QR code through the Nusuk app
Plan Your Umrah from UAE with Confidence
The 30-day entry validity rule is the most important change affecting UAE Umrah pilgrims in 2026-2027. The good news is that it is entirely manageable with the right timing strategy and UAEUmrah.com has helped thousands of UAE residents navigate these exact rules smoothly.Whether you need help securing your Nusuk-compliant hotel and transport bookings, processing your eVisa at the right time, or managing your Nusuk permit registration, our team in Dubai is available around the clock.
Website: UAEUmrah.com
Phone: +971 56 704 4355 +971 54 788 3335
WhatsApp: +971 567044355
Location: Al Hana Center – Office 16, 2nd Floor – Al Mankhool Rd – Al Jafiliya – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Available: 24/7 for visa guidance and complete Umrah packages May Allah make your Umrah journey easy, accepted, and blessed. Ameen.
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Written by Shabbar Ali Sr. SEO Specialist at Rakalogics, Lahore, Pakistan. With 150+ successful projects delivered worldwide, I specialize in next generation search optimization that goes beyond traditional SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
It means UAE residents must physically enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the date their Umrah visa was issued. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reduced this entry window from 90 days to 30 days in late 2025. If you do not enter Saudi Arabia within this 30-day window, the visa is automatically cancelled. This is an entry deadline only once inside Saudi Arabia, you can stay for up to 90 days unchanged.
The 30-day countdown begins from the visa issue date the exact date your Saudi Umrah visa is electronically issued and sent to your email. It does not start from your flight booking date, departure date, or any other date you choose. If your visa is issued on 1 June 2026, you must enter Saudi Arabia by 1 July 2026 at the latest.
Your visa is automatically cancelled by the Saudi system after the 30-day entry window lapses. There is no grace period, no official notification, and no refund. You must submit a completely new visa application, re-obtain your Booking Reference Number from Nusuk, pay all fees again, and restart the process from scratch.
No. Standard Umrah visas both dedicated Umrah eVisas and tourist eVisas used for Umrah cannot have their entry window extended. The only exception is a documented medical emergency preventing departure from Saudi Arabia, which requires official Saudi hospital documentation and approval from the Directorate of Passports. Extensions are granted at their discretion, not as a right.
The tourist eVisa has a 1-year overall validity with multiple-entry rights, so it is not cancelled after 30 days in the same way. However, the Umrah season itself has hard entry cut-off dates all pilgrims must enter before 23 March 2027 for the 1448 AH season. Additionally, each individual Nusuk Umrah permit has specific time slots that must be honoured. The 30-day cancellation rule specifically applies to the dedicated Umrah eVisa.
Apply for your Umrah visa no earlier than 25 days before your planned departure date from UAE. The safest approach: lock in your flights first, complete all Nusuk bookings to get your BRN, then apply for the visa approximately 3-4 weeks before your departure. This ensures the 30-day window covers your trip with a comfortable buffer.
No. The stay duration after entry into Saudi Arabia remains unchanged at up to 90 days. Only the entry validity window the period within which you must first cross into Saudi Arabia after visa issuance has been reduced from 90 days to 30 days. Once inside, you have the same 90-day stay allowance as before.
For the 2026-2027 (1448 AH) Umrah season, all international Umrah pilgrims must depart Saudi Arabia by 7 April 2027. The last date to enter Saudi Arabia for this season is 23 March 2027. If you plan to travel close to the season end, ensure your entire trip entry, Umrah, and departure falls within these hard cut-off dates.
Overstaying an Umrah visa in Saudi Arabia carries a fine of SAR 100 per day (~AED 98/day). First-time overstays also attract an additional penalty of up to SAR 15,000 (~AED 14,700). Repeat overstays carry higher fines and can result in travel bans affecting future Saudi visa applications. Overstay records are tied to your passport and can block future Umrah visa approvals.
Yes this is mandatory under the 2026 ‘no booking, no visa’ rule. You must have confirmed hotel accommodation and Nusuk-compliant ground transport bookings with a valid Booking Reference Number (BRN) registered in the Nusuk system before your Umrah visa can be issued. Applying for the visa before securing these bookings will result in visa rejection.
Yes. Women aged 18 and above can travel for Umrah independently without a mahram (male guardian) in 2026. This is confirmed policy by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. No special documentation, letter of consent, or proof of relationship is required for women aged 18 and above. Women under 18 must travel with a parent or guardian.
Processing times vary: dedicated Umrah eVisa via the Nusuk platform takes 2-4 business days; tourist eVisa applied online takes 5 minutes to 24 hours; applications submitted through a licensed UAE agent typically take 3-5 business days. UAE citizens (Emirati passport holders) do not need a visa and can travel to Saudi Arabia visa-free.
The dedicated Umrah visa applied directly via Nusuk costs SAR 300 (~AED 295) plus a SAR 39 application fee and mandatory medical insurance from SAR 28, totalling a minimum of approximately AED 360. Applied through a licensed UAE agent, the visa itself is free but agents charge AED 150-300 for their service. The tourist eVisa used under the any-visa policy costs approximately AED 640 including insurance but provides 1-year multiple-entry access.
Yes, if you hold a 1-year multiple-entry Saudi tourist eVisa, you can return to Saudi Arabia multiple times within the visa’s validity to perform Umrah subject to Nusuk permit booking for each visit and the Umrah season’s operational dates. The dedicated Umrah visa is single-entry, allowing one trip per visa. UAE citizens travelling visa-free can perform Umrah as frequently as they wish, subject to Nusuk permit availability.
The fastest route is direct online application through the official Saudi eVisa portal (ksavisa.sa) or the Nusuk Umrah platform (umrah.nusuk.sa), where approvals for GCC residents are often instant to 24 hours. For Pakistani, Indian, and other nationalities whose passports may not be directly eVisa-eligible, UAEUmrah.com processes applications within 3-5 business days with full compliance support for the 2026 ‘no booking, no visa’ requirements.
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