Saudi Arabia: We are preparing to receive pilgrims from abroad
The Saudi Undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Umrah Affairs, Abdulrahman Shams, confirmed that the ministry is preparing to receive pilgrims from outside the Kingdom, after the successful entry of pilgrims from inside the Kingdom, indicating that the number of pilgrims so far has reached 45,000 in addition to 120,000 worshipers since the start of the second phase of Umrah.
Abdul Rahman Shams said in statements to the Saudi News Channel yesterday evening that the reservation mechanism for pilgrims from outside the Kingdom is through approved companies, "and the arrival will be through groups and not individuals," adding that the "Umrah" application is only intended for pilgrims from inside the Kingdom.
He explained that many attempts were revealed to pass incorrect information and fake applications to deceive pilgrims, and direct communication with the concerned authorities was made to report them.
Abdel-Rahman Shams announced: "We have not recorded any cases of infection so far, and things are going according to their plans, and work has started with companies and approved agents in preparation for receiving pilgrims from abroad, in the third phase, which starts at the beginning of November."
Citizens and residents performed the Fajr prayer at the Grand Mosque on Sunday with the start of the second phase of the gradual return of Umrah from within the Kingdom at 75% of the capacity, according to the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
According to the second phase, 40,000 worshipers and 15,000 pilgrims will be able to perform the prayer on the Grand Mosque in Mecca daily, accounting for 75% of the total capacity, and a visit to the honorable kindergarten in the Prophet's Mosque will also be allowed.
On last September, an approval was issued to allow the performance of the Umrah and the visit gradually, while taking the necessary health precautions, through 4 stages.
The third phase will start with the permission to perform Umrah, visit and prayers for citizens and residents from inside and outside the Kingdom, on the first of next November.
In the fourth stage, the performance of Umrah, visitation and prayers will be allowed for citizens and residents from inside and outside the Kingdom, at 100% of the natural capacity of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, when the competent authority decides that the risks of the pandemic will disappear.
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