Umrah resumes after a 7-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic

As of today, Saudi Arabia has allowed pilgrims living inside the country to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage.

Citizens and residents already present in the country will be allowed to carry out Umrah at a rate of 6,000 pilgrims per day.

The number of pilgrims allowed will rise to 75% of the modified capacity, or 15,000 pilgrims on 18 October.

Saudi Arabia announced on February 27 a temporary suspension of entry for Muslims wanting to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in Great Mosque of Mecca or to visit the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.

On 5 March, further precautionary measures were taken regarding the safety of the Islamic holy sites, including temporary daily closure of the Great Mosque for sterilization purposes.

Saudi Arabia suspended on 19 March the holding of daily prayers and the Friday prayers in and outside the two mosques in Mecca and Medina to limit the spread of coronavirus. (ILKHA)