The first Indian team will leave on the 14th
Those who reached Madinah first and then those who reached Makkah started going back to their hometowns. The pilgrims who came directly to Makkah returned to Madinah to visit Rawla Sharif, the final resting place of the Prophet. Most of the pilgrims who came from India returned from Mina on Tuesday evening. After reaching Makkah and completing other duties, they will start their return journey from July 14 via Jeddah Airport. Those who came to Makkah for Hajj should visit Madinah and then return home.
Thanking Muslim countries for organizing Hajj
Meanwhile, the Arab countries came out praising the Saudi government for organizing the Hajj pilgrimage in a good way, including foreigners, despite the fact that the Covid crisis has not completely subsided. King of Bahrain Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa in a message sent to King Salman of Saudi Arabia expressed his appreciation to the Saudi authorities for the successful completion of the organization of the Hajj pilgrimage. The king also informed that the best security plans for health care are the key to the complete success of the pilgrimage. Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jabir Al-Sabah, Ruler of Kuwait, expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government for organizing the Hajj pilgrimage in a wrong way. Muslim World League Secretary General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa also appreciated the Saudi authorities in this regard. Hussain Ibrahim Taha, Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Adil Bin Abdurrahman Al Azumi, Chairman of Arab Parliament, Sheikhul Azhar Dr. Ahmad Al Tayyib also sent congratulatory messages to the Saudi rulers.
7.6 lakh e-visas were issued during the Hajj season
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan informed that the Saudi government has approved 7.63 lakh electronic visas for this year’s Hajj season. The Minister stated that this is the success of the joint efforts of the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi embassies in various countries. He also informed that the Makkah Route Initiative, which enables the pilgrims to complete the travel related procedures from their own country, is a great blessing for the pilgrims. He also expressed his gratitude to the administration for helping to introduce electronic visa system for so many foreigners.
New Umrah booking from 19th July
The authorities have decided to resume Umrah pilgrimage from July 19, which was suspended as part of Hajj procedures. With the end of this year’s Hajj season, it has been decided to resume permission for Umrah from Dhul Hajj 20. At present, only Hajj pilgrims are allowed to perform Umrah. The opportunity has been limited to pilgrims only as part of giving an opportunity to pilgrims to complete Umrah rituals without the rush of the market and in compliance with the Covid norms. Umrah rituals of foreign pilgrims will end on Dhul Hajj 20. After that others will get Umrah permit.
