Saudi authorities said Monday that only people immunised against COVID-19 will be allowed to perform the year-round Umrah pilgrimage, starting from the holy month of Ramadan.
According to the authorities, Umrah permits and visit permits for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah will increase operational capacity during the month of Ramadan, which begins next week.
The haj and umrah ministry said in a statement that three categories of people would be considered “immunised” — those who have received two doses of the vaccine, those administered a single dose at least 14 days prior, and people who have recovered from the infection.
Only those people will be eligible for permits to perform umrah, as well as to attend prayers in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca.
Each person’s vaccination status will need to be registered on Saudi Arabia’s Covid-19 app, Tawakkalna. The app was launched last year to help track coronavirus infections. Those who wish to visit the two mosques or perform Umrah will have to register via the Tawakkalna app and the Umrah app Eatmarna, the Saudi daily notes.
Registrations will be accommodated according to the space and availability of the two mosques and in accordance with health restrictions. The Tawakkalna and Eatmarna apps are the only platforms available to issue genuine permits, and the ministry warned the public against resorting to bogus websites and application forms, it adds.
Nearly 10,000 Grand Mosque workers have already been inoculated as part of the Ramadan operational plan. The courtyard around the Kaaba and the first floor will be designated for pilgrims performing Tawaf only. Five areas will be available for prayers at the Grand Mosque, including the eastern courtyard, Arab news reports.
Saudi Arabia has reported more than 393,000 coronavirus infections and 6,700 deaths from Covid-19.
The kingdom’s health ministry said it has administered more than five million coronavirus vaccine doses, in a country with a population of over 34 million.
