MADINAH — As many as 542,698 Umrah pilgrims have so far arrived in the Kingdom since the season started on Nov. 13, local daily Al-Madina reported on Monday quoting official statistics of the Haj Ministry. According to the statistics, the Saudi diplomatic missions abroad have so far issued 990,003 Umrah visas but the number of arrivals is still less by about 12 percent compared to the same period last year. The statistics said, 109,597 pilgrims have come from Egypt representing 24.21 percent of the total number of pilgrims. Pakistan, with 77,476 pilgrims representing 17.11 percent, occupied second place while Indonesia with 44,910, representing 9.92 percent, came third. As many as 419,093 pilgrims have arrived by air through the Kingdom's airports. Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah received 83,955 pilgrims who came onboard 844 international flights. A total of 17,917 pilgrims have departed for thier respective homes via the Madinah airport. Mohammed Al-Bijawi, director of the Haj Ministry branch, said the ministry is extending consummate services to the pilgrims and visitors of the Prophet's City. "All the concerned parties have joined hands to provide excellent services to the pilgrims under the instructions of Madinah Emir Prince Faisal Bin Salman," he said. Bijawi said four pilgrims were admitted to hospital and three others have died.
