Saudi Arabia’s government has announced a gradual restoration of Umrah pilgrimage keeping in view link the ongoing Coronavirus situation.
Accoridng to media reports, Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Muhammad Saleh Benten said that Umrah pilgrimage would be allowed in phases.
He said that the latest technology would be utilized for managing the affairs and companies offering the pilgrimage package would introduce it using modern technology. Around 30 Saudi and international companies will initially be allowed to offer these services.
An app will be launched by the ministry which will be used by the pilgrims to choose their dates of visit. The companies would offer their online services and would remain in touch with the visiting pilgrims.
A new smart card will be issued for these companies during their transitional period.
However, this card will be used first to serve visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque from within the Kingdom and abroad.
He said that the merger of Umrah companies and the establishment will make them strong entities that are capable of providing high-quality services for some 16 million domestic and foreign Umrah pilgrims annually.