Saudi Arabia to Resume Hajj, Umrah Trips Soon

Life has returned to normal levels in the Saudi Arabia Kingdom (SAK) gradually as of yesterday.

The Saudi authorities lifted the restrictions taken to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Thursday.

A 3-stage plan was introduced to relax the restrictions linked to the COVID-19. The plan ends with the lifting of restrictions completely on June 21.

Saudi media reported that the return to normal life will be based on the application of the rules for social separation and following health guidelines thoroughly.

The kingdom registered a high number of people recovering from the virus for more than 51 thousand people. The number of infected people decreased significantly compared to confirm cases recorded during past few days.

The Saudi newspaper, "Okaz," said that the Saudi Ministry of Interior issued approval to enter and leave Mecca Al-Mukarramah, as of Sunday.

General President of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs, Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Sudais, stressed the commitment to the precautionary measures and the preventive measures taken in the two holy mosques to protect worshipers and visitors as they perform Hajj and Umrah (a visit to the Grand Mosque in Makkah).

According to the Saudi newspaper, Al-Madina, the authorities adopted a guiding model and controls the cooperation agreements ahead the pilgrims arriving.

The Saudi authorities are preparing for the return of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the Islamic countries.

The initiative's coordination team holds at least one meeting per year, whether in the Kingdom or in the other Islamic countries for understanding and consulting.

The Islamic countries must compel the pilgrims to comply with the protective requirements and health conditions necessary to issue the entry visa.

The newspaper indicated that each party bears the financial costs arising from the implementation of this agreement unless the parties agree otherwise.

The Kingdom reserves the rights of intellectual property to serve the Mecca Road and its development.

The second party is not entitled to use it for any purpose outside the framework of this agreement, or disclose its data or information Umrah performers and pilgrims to any third party.

The Saudi Ministry of Manpower said that the Kingdom extended the tourist visas automatically for a period of 3 months without payment for the tourists inside the Kingdom, whose visas expired during the period of suspension of international flights to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the Kingdom.