Saudi officials announce rules and regulations for Umrah to be followed in the Holy month of Ramadan

 Saudi officials say only those who have been vaccinated against corona will be allowed to perform a year-long Umrah pilgrimage starting in the holy month of Ramadan.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in a statement that only “security personnel” would be allowed to perform Umrah while praying in the grand mosque in the holy city of Mecca.

The ministry said these include people who received two doses of the corona vaccine, people who received a dose of the vaccine at least 14 days before the visit, or people who have recovered from the virus.

The ministry also said it would increase the operational capacity of Masjid al-Haram in compliance with Corona measures and restrictions.

More than 393,000 coronavirus cases have been registered in Saudi Arabia while more than 6,700 deaths were caused from the virus. Vaccinations are now being applied to their citizens.

Only 10,000 Muslims in Saudi Arabia were allowed to perform the Hajj last year.