JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has announced all Umrah pilgrims coming to the Kingdom must submit a negative PCR test report taken no more than 48 hours before arrival.
This applies to all, “regardless of their vaccination status, starting next Wednesday”, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said. Pilgrims have to show they are vaccinated using the Tawakkalna app to enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah and Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Pilgrims should also book an Umrah or prayer slot using the app to be able to perform prayers or worship due to strict health and safety protocols. They must also wear masks and are advised to take safety precautions in line with Covid-19 protocols.
The Saudi Interior Ministry said that all Saudi citizens must take a coronavirus vaccine booster dose to travel outside the Kingdom, starting from February 9.
The ministry said new Covid-19 cases in Saudi Arabia continue to decline, dropping below the 4,000-mark on Sunday. More than 58 million vaccine doses have been administered in the Kingdom to date. According to new rules, those who have tested negative can take a booster vaccine three months after taking their second dose.
Saudi minister discuss Hajj, Umrah issues
Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noor ul Haq Qadri discussed Hajj and Umrah issues with Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif.
During the meeting, Umrah and Hajj pilgrims’ visa and immigration issues under COVID-19 standard operating procedures were discussed between the two dignitaries.
Religious Minister Qadri appreciated the Saudi government and interior ministry’s unflinching services for the security of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. He said the Saudi interior minister had hinted to include two more cities in ‘Road to Makkah’ project.
Meanwhile, an official of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said it was taking all anticipatory actions for smooth operation of Hajj 2022. Though the Hajj Policy 2022 had yet to be announced due to certain reasons but the ministry in advance adopted measures for facilitating the intending pilgrims.
The ministry had floated tenders for the procurement of 40,000 doses each of Meningococcal (Meningitis ACYW-135) and Quadrivalent / Tetravalent Seasonal Influenza vaccines. It had also invited the expression of interest from the scheduled banks to collect applications of the intending pilgrims for Hajj 2022,
Similarly, talks were under way with private airlines for the transportation of the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and back. The official explained that the ministry was making all arrangements for smooth sailing if the Hajj Policy 2022 was announced any time.
He also urged the intending pilgrims not to submit their hard-earned money to any private tour operator as long as the Hajj Policy was not announced by the ministry. He also cautioned the tour operators of strict action for collecting money in the wake of Hajj applications.
