The Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah announced that people outside the Kingdom wishing to perform Umrah can submit applications for visa starting today (Thursday)…reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry said the Umrah applications could be received from inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while the first contingents could arrive by the first day of Muharram 1444 H. corresponding to July 30, 2022, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Foreign pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque can view the visa requirements on the website https://haj.gov.sa/ar/InternalPages/Umrah, while pilgrims inside Saudi Arabia can issue Umrah permits through the “Eatmarna” application, reported SPA.
Those who would like to obtain licenses to serve as agents for Umrah applicants from outside the Kingdom will have to apply through (https://umralicense.haj.gov.sa), the Ministry said.
The ministry said visa applicants were required to have completed their COVID-19 vaccination with a vaccine approved by Saudi Arabia’s government. Umrah pilgrims would need to present a vaccine certificate issued by official authorities of their respective countries.
The ministry added that health measures would be put in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the Umrah season.
Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia has concluded a successful Hajj season. Saudi Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, also chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, announced the success of the pilgrimage of 2022 at all security, service and health levels.
The prince said no accidents nor epidemic diseases were reported among pilgrims, thanks to government efforts and projects as well as all those involved in serving pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel said the health plan for the current Hajj season was successful as there were no epidemic outbreaks or other major public health incidents.
ALSO READ:1.3 million pilgrims used Saudi railways during Haj
He said only 38 Covid-19 cases were detected in the holy sites and were all dealt with in accordance with health protocols.
The Mecca light rail reopened pilgrimage transport service between July 6 and July 12 after a two-year suspension due to the pandemic of Covid-19, safely transporting hundreds and thousands of pilgrims on time.
This year is also the first time since the coronavirus outbreak in 2020 that Saudi Arabia allows foreign pilgrims to perform Hajj, as the last two seasons were limited only to domestic pilgrims.
