Saudi Arabia to resume issuing Umrah visas starting June 10
As Muslim pilgrims wrapped up days of worshipping and praying during Hajj in the holy sites of Makkah, Saudi authorities announced on Monday the resumption of issuing Umrah visas starting Tuesday, June 10.
The pilgrims performed the final leg of the highly significant religious journey by circling the Kaaba in a "Farewell Tawaf".
It was also revealed that restrictions which were put in place for entering Makkah during the Hajj season will be lifted starting Wednesday, June 11.
On April 29, all hospitality facilities in Makkah had been prohibited from accommodating visitors without a valid Hajj permit or an entry permit for work or residence in the city, in preparation for the annual pilgrimage season.
Other special arrangements and procedures included a restriction on entry to Makkah or staying in the city for individuals arriving with any type of visa, except for those holding a Hajj visa.
This year, 1,673,230 Muslims performed the sacred pilgrimage, with majority of them from outside Saudi Arabia, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The number of external pilgrims stood at 1,506,576, while 166,654 flocked to Makkah from inside the Kingdom.
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