The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Sunday introduced a new Umrah policy during Ramadan.
Traditionally, Ramadan witnesses a significant influx of Umrah pilgrims flocking to Makkah to partake in the spiritual rituals at the revered Masjid al-Haram.
However, in light of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to maintain social distancing measures, Saudi authorities have decided to implement stricter regulations.
According to the recent announcement by the ministry, individuals will only be permitted to undertake a single Umrah during Ramadan. The decision comes as part of the government's efforts to mitigate overcrowding and ensure a safer pilgrimage experience for all participants.
The implementation of this policy will be facilitated through Nusuk, a Saudi government platform that handles the electronic processing of Umrah permits. Should an individual attempt to apply for multiple Umrah permits within Ramadan, they will be met with a notification indicating the failure to obtain additional permits.
This move underscores the government's commitment to prioritizing public health and safety while also preserving the sanctity of the Umrah pilgrimage. By limiting the number of Umrah pilgrimages per individual, authorities aim to distribute the opportunity for spiritual fulfillment more evenly among all prospective pilgrims.
