MECCA – The first group of foreign pilgrims performed the umrah yesterday following an eight-month suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to a report by the Anadolu agency, the group was initially required to complete a three-day quarantine upon their arrival before proceeding to the Grand Mosque here.
The Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry tweeted that pilgrims from outside the country are out of quarantine and heading to the mosque.
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque yesterday evening announced its full preparedness to receive pilgrims coming from abroad, said Anadolu.
Last week, the first flight carrying pilgrims from overseas landed at Jeddah airport, including citizens from Indonesia and Pakistan.
Due to the pandemic, the haj pilgrimage this year was limited to those living in Saudi Arabia.
Umrah is the Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year. – Bernama, November 5, 2020
