Saudi set to soon resume Umrah service for domestic pilgrims – report

Saudi Arabia will resume Umrah services in the “near future”, although it will initially be restricted to a limited number of domestic pilgrims, local media reported.

Domestic pilgrims will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage provided they fulfil certain terms and conditions, Saudi Gazette reported, citing sources.

One of those will be a mandatory medical certificate proving that they have tested negative for the coronavirus.

Resumption of Umrah will be made in line with the Covid-19 precautionary measures and the ministry of Hajj and Umrah will soon announce all the details, the report added.

Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended Umrah for citizens and residents in the kingdom due to the coronavirus outbreak in early March.

Read: Saudi temporarily suspends Umrah for citizens, residents over coronavirus outbreak

It also allowed only about 1,000 pilgrims – all from inside Saudi Arabia – to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage this year due to the pandemic.

The kingdom has started easing restrictions in recent weeks as the number of new coronavirus cases reported in the kingdom have reduced.

On Sunday, the ministry of Interior announced partial lifting of travel restrictions from September 15, with complete easing of all Covid-19 travel restrictions from January 1, 2021.

The ministry also confirmed that a plan will be announced to allow performing of Umrah gradually in light of the developments related to the pandemic.

Read: Saudi Arabia to permit residents to return from September 15; will lift all travel restrictions by January 1, 2021