Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Saudi Arabia reportedly started to allow international congregations, including from Indonesia, carry out Umrah starting August 10 to coincide with the Islamic new year 1443 H.
The step was taken by Saudi Arabia after the special pilgrimage for local pilgrims was completed.
“The Grand Mosque is ready to receive Umrah pilgrims,” said the Deputy Head of Affairs of the Grand Mosque, Saad bin Muhammad al-Muhaimid as quoted Daily Star.
local media Haramain Sharifain reported that the Saudi Ministry of Umrah and Hajj allowed almost all countries to open direct flights to Saudi specifically for Umrah pilgrims.
However, King Salman’s government requires pilgrims from 9 countries including Indonesia to transit and undergo a 14-day quarantine in a third country before arriving in Saudi.
Apart from Indonesia, eight other countries included in the regulation are India, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and Lebanon.
The Saudi government has also implemented a series of conditions for international Umrah pilgrims.
One of the conditions for Umrah pilgrims is to be 18 years of age and over and have been vaccinated against Covid-19 of the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson (J&J) types.
“Dosage of the Chinese-made Covid-19 vaccine with one booster vaccine injection from Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson&Johnson (J&J) is also allowed,” the media report said.
CNNIndonesia.com has contacted the Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Agus Maftuh Abegebriel to ask for confirmation, but he has not responded.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Saudi Arabia has implemented a regional lockdown which has an impact on restrictions on the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, especially for international pilgrims.
(rds / dea)
– .
