10,000 foreign umrah pilgrims expected per week starting Nov 1

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has drawn up guidelines to welcome pilgrims from outside the kingdom to perform umrah (the minor hajj) starting November 1, according to Arab News.

That is the third phase of umrah reopening which is in line with the announcement from Saudia that has resumed its international flights to 33 destinations, most of which are green countries where COVID-19 has not spread and preventive measures have been successfully implemented.

Ahmed Bajaifer, an investor in umrah companies, said an estimated 10,000 worshipers would arrive every week in the kingdom.

He added that umrah service providers could easily handle that number while implementing preventive measures to curb the spread of the corona virus.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah only allows pilgrims between the ages of 18 and 50 to perform prayers, in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Health.

They should present a PCR test certificate proving that they have tested negative for COVID-19.

The certificate should be issued by a trusted laboratory in the pilgrim’s country no more than 72 hours before departure.

Pilgrims should book their umrah and prayers at the Two Holy Mosques, including visits to the Prophet’s Mosque and prayers in the Prophet’s Chamber. All bookings can be done through the I’tamarna app.

They are also required to have confirmed return flights that suit their umrah programs.

The mandatory components of the service package for each pilgrim include booking accommodation that provides three full-board meals for the quarantine period, which should be at least three days, and transport from the port to the accommodation.

The pilgrims also have a comprehensive insurance policy.

Those arriving from abroad will be divided into groups of at least 50 pilgrims.

Unified programs must be booked for the groups, including all services that match the date of their booking to perform Umrah and visit the Two Holy Mosques.

A guide will be appointed for each group, and the Saudi agent will be obliged to provide the contracted service packages.

Reporting by Indonesia Window