Tomorrow, Saudi Arabia Has Started Accepting Umrah Pilgrims From Abroad, Limited To 2 Million People Per Month

Illustration. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia finally accepts Umrah pilgrims from abroad starting August 9. But on condition, the congregation has been vaccinated.

Another requirement from the Saudi Arabian government is that the capacity of Umrah pilgrims is limited. In a month, only a maximum of 2 million people are allowed.

The announcement was reported by the local Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Sunday morning, August 8. Makkah and Madinah will start welcoming worshipers from abroad to their mosques while maintaining the COVID-19 prevention protocol.

An official at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said domestic and overseas pilgrims must include an official COVID-19 vaccination certificate along with their Umrah request.

"Congregants must have been vaccinated, including those from Saudi Arabia. The quarantine process will continue upon arrival", the report explained.

Meanwhile, Al Arabiya reported that the issuance of permits was carried out through the Eatmarna and Tawakkalna mobile applications, amid an integrated system of services and precautions, which were taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the safety and health of those wishing to perform Umrah and pilgrimage.

Deputy Minister of Hajj Dr. Abdul Fattah Mashat explained that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is coordinating with other relevant authorities to implement a COVID-19 safe environment mechanism for pilgrims.

Mashat added that the number of bus passengers would not exceed 50 percent of the bus capacity while maintaining a safe distance on the bus, providing sterilizers, and ensuring congregational permits issued by the Eatmarna and Tawakkalna applications before boarding the bus.