Saudi Arabia Studies Sinovac And Sinopharm Vaccines For Umrah Conditions

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JAKARTA - Consul for Hajj at the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, Endang Jumali, said that the government of Saudi Arabia was still conducting studies regarding the use of two coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines from China, Sinovac and Sinopharm for Umrah pilgrims.

"For the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines used by a number of countries, the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia is still conducting a study. In the near future, the results will be officially released," said Endang in his statement, Friday, August 13.

The information was obtained after a meeting with the Deputy for Umrah Affairs of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdulaziz Wazzan at the Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

Endang explained that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia is still coordinating with the local Ministry of Health regarding the results of the study.

Later, he said, a decision will be made as to whether prospective Umrah pilgrims from other countries, including Indonesia, who have received 2 doses of the vaccine, can enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah or not.

"Or still need to be given 1 more dose (booster) of the 4 vaccines used by the Saudis, or something," said Endang.

Regarding the vaccine, said Endang, it is not only for economic and business interests. However, the government of Saudi Arabia prioritizes the safety and health of Umrah pilgrims during the pandemic.

Endang added that the Indonesian Ministry of Religion continues to coordinate with the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss together the issue of using this vaccine. "While Sinovac and Sinopharm are currently recognized by the WHO," he said.

Previously, the Government of Saudi Arabia officially allowed international pilgrims to perform Umrah 1443 Hijri with several health protocol requirements starting August 10, 2021. However, Indonesia and 8 other countries could not make direct flights to the holy land.

In the latest provisions, pilgrims from these 9 countries are required to transit to quarantine in a third country for 14 days before arriving in Saudi Arabia. Among them, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and Lebanon.