Saudi Arabia: 6,000 Umrah visas issued for foreign pilgrims in first Hijri month
'Safe Umrah model' keeps coronavirus infections to a minimum
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah announced the issuance of 6,000 Umrah visas for foreign pilgrims in the first Hijri month of the Islamic New Year, local media reported.
Eng. Hisham Saeed, assistant deputy minister of Haj and Umrah, said pilgrims started coming from different countries to perform Umrah under strict precautionary measures and preventive protocols to stem the spread of coronavirus.
“The ministry has introduced a ‘safe Umrah model’ in compliance with health requirements and procedures, Eng. Saeed said.
“The ministry is keen on the quality of services provided by Saudi Umrah companies to pilgrims and the application of all precautions in terms of housing, transportation and grouping of pilgrims within the time frame for reservation of appointment for performing Umrah and prayers at the Grand Mosque,” he said.
Saeed urged the Umrah pilgrims coming from GCC countries to register their status of coronavirus vaccination on the Muqeem portal, 72 hours before entry into the Kingdom.
Those wishing to perform Umrah will have to download the Tawakkalna app and book their appointment to obtain permits for performing prayers at the Grand Mosque and visit Al Rawda Al Shareefa and the tomb of Prophet Mohammed (Peace be Upon Him).
The ministry has recently raised the daily capacity of Umrah performers to 70,000 pilgrims.
The ministry said it is possible to book a permit to perform Umrah and prayers at the Great Mosque through the “Tawakkalna” app, apart from the Eatmarna app.