Pakistan to start accepting Umrah applications from Nov 1

(Karachi) In wake of Saudi government's announcement to start Umrah pilgrimage for international pilgrims, Pakistan announced it will accept applications for Umrah from the nationals from November 1 under the new regulations, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

Pakistanis will be able to submit their application for Umrah pilgrimage under the new regulations.

A few days ago, Saudi Arabia announced resuming Umrah pilgrimage for international pilgrims from November 1 after suspension of months amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Announcing the protocols for the resumption of International Umrah, Kingdom's Hajj Ministry said that a negative PCR test no earlier than 72-hours before departure time in origin will be needed from the pilgrims while a quarantine period of three days must be completed in the hotel.

“Each group must be accompanied by a registered guide as no individual will be allowed to perform the Umrah,” it said while directing the pilgrims to arrive in the Kingdom with a registered group.

Earlier, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reopened the Muslim holy places for Umrah pilgrimage.

The Saudi government took the decision after implementing extensive health precautions and COVID-19 guidelines.

According to Saudi officials, the Umrah will be revived in three stages. In the initial phase, only 6,000 citizens and residents in the kingdom are allowed to perform Umrah. Furthermore, the pilgrims have been given time of three hours to perform their Umrah rituals.

The pilgrims will be divided into groups to ensure social distancing within the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Worshippers will now be able to perform the ritual of circling the sacred Kaaba along socially distanced paths.