RIYADH — Eng. Hisham Saeed, assistant deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj and Umrah services, said that a total of 6,000 Umrah visas were issued for foreign pilgrims during the first Hijri month of Muharram. Speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette, he said that pilgrims started coming from different countries and it is under strict precautionary measures and preventive protocols to stem the spread of coronavirus. "The ministry has introduced a "safe Umrah model" and that is in compliance with the health requirements and procedures. The ministry is keen on the quality of services being provided by the Saudi Umrah companies to pilgrims and the application of all precautions in terms of housing, transportation and grouping of pilgrims within the time frame for reservation of appointment for the performance of Umrah and prayer at the Grand Mosque," he said. Saeed urged the Umrah pilgrims coming from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to register their status of coronavirus vaccination on the Muqeem portal 72 hours before their entry into the Kingdom. The aspiring pilgrims have to download the Tawakkalna application and book their appointment to obtain permits for the performance of Umrah, prayers at the Grand Mosque and visit the Rawda Shareef and the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him), according to the times chosen by the pilgrim, he added. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has recently raised the capacity of Umrah performers to 70,000 pilgrims per day. It emphasized that this number of foreign and domestic pilgrims will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage on a daily basis and this is in total compliance with the coronavirus precautionary measures and preventive protocols, and that is in coordination with the other concerned authorities. The ministry stated that it is possible to book permit to perform Umrah and prayers at the Great Mosque through the "Tawakkalna" application, apart from Eatmarna application.
