Saudi Arabia to gradually resume Umrah pilgrimage from Oct 4

Saudi Arabia has said would start allowing pilgrims to perform Umrah in gradual stages, while taking necessary precautions.

Ministry of Interior said the decision was made after assessing developments of coronavirus and in response to desire of Muslims around the world to perform the ritual.

The first phase of the gradual return will include allowing citizens and expatriates from within the Kingdom to perform Umrah at a capacity of 30 percent which is the equivalent of 6,000 pilgrims per day

The second phase will increase the capacity of Grand Masjid to 75 percent, which would include 15,000 pilgrims and 40,000 worshippers a day from 18th Oct

In the third phase, pilgrims from abroad would be allowed to perform Umrah as of 1st November with full capacity of 20,000 pilgrims and 60,000 worshippers per day.

The fourth stage will see the Grand Masjid return to normal when all COVID-19 risks have gone away.

The entry of pilgrims, worshippers and visitors will be regulated through an application called “I’tamarna which will be launched by Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.