Saudi Arabia Reopens International Umrah, These Are Requirements For Indonesian Congregants

Security forces observed the pilgrims worshiping at the Grand Mosque, Mecca. (Twitter/@HaramainInfo)

JAKARTA - Indonesians are advised to postpone their plans to perform Umrah, even though the Saudi Arabian Government has announced that it will reopen Umrah services for international pilgrims.

Successfully organizing the 2021 Hajj series, the Government of Saudi Arabia plans to reopen Umrah services for international pilgrims starting from 1 Muharram 1443 Hijriyah or 10 August.

"I would like to announce that this (year) Hajj was successful, with no reported COVID-19 infections or other epidemic diseases," said Saudi Health Minister Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, quoting The Siasat Daily July 25.

Along with this, starting July 25, Umrah institutions have been given the authority to issue Umrah Visas for entry starting from 1 Muharram 1443. Meanwhile, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the reopening of Islamic holy places to perform Umrah from The week after the end of the Hajj season.

"The Grand Mosque is ready to accept pilgrims and pilgrims for Umrah," said Deputy Head of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque, Saad bin Muhammad al-Muhaimid.

Congregants must note that certain prayer locations have implemented the provisions of the COVID-19 health protocol. Pilgrims are also required to follow signs on the floor while performing Tawaf as seen during Hajj and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Illustration of the atmosphere in the Grand Mosque, Mecca. (Twitter/@HaramainInfo)

However, there are a number of provisions imposed by the Government of Saudi Arabia related to this policy. First, all countries are allowed to send direct flights, except from India, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Lebanon and Indonesia.

If you still want to go for Umrah, pilgrims from Indonesia and these countries must enter Saudi Arabia from a third country, by first undergoing mandatory quarantine for 14 days.

Regarding the COVID-19 vaccination requirements, all pilgrims who have received full doses of vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

Meanwhile, for pilgrims from Indonesia and other countries who use China's vaccines, they must get a third or booster dose of the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

And, all pilgrims must be 18 years old and must meet the requirements to arrive through an accredited Umrah agency by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia.

Separately, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Eko Hartono, appealed to Indonesian Umrah pilgrims to postpone their worship plans until the situation related to the pandemic improves, although they can enter Saudi Arabia through a third country.

"For now, it is better to postpone Umrah first while trying so that the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia can be handled properly," said Eko as quoted by Antara.

He reminded that Umrah through a third country would require a longer process and more expensive costs, in addition to a number of health protocols that must be adhered to, referring to the experience of Indonesian pilgrims trying to enter Saudi Arabia via Ethiopia.

"Also restrictions on movement during worship, because of health protocols which for some will feel uncomfortable," he said.