The Ministry of Haj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has confirmed that all pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom to perform Umrah from different countries in the world, including those who came from Qatar - have smoothly performed the rituals this year (1438 Hijri), according to the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz.

In a statement issued by the Ministry, it reiterated its earlier media statement last Shawwal that the numbers of visas issued for Umrah stood at 6.7 million, exceeding the numbers from past years, noting a record figure this year.

In light of the current situation with Doha, the government of Saudi Arabia yet welcomed the guests of the Holy Mosque from Qatar.

Elaborating on the statement of the Government of the Kingdom regarding severing diplomatic and consular ties with the Qatari authorities, providing facilities to Qatari pilgrims, and out of its keenness on enabling those who are desirous to offer the Umrah rituals.

The Ministry reaffirmed that Qatari brothers can continue performing Umrah at any time, and they could arrive in the kingdom on board any airlines except the Qatari airways.

These, according to the statement, include the flights which set off from Doha passing through the transit stations, and their arrival should be through King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz in the Holy city of Madinah.

"Regarding Haj, Qataris and those who are living in Qatar with Haj permits issued by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia or the body concerning Hajj affairs in Qatar, and who are registered in the online Haj track, may arrive by air through other airline companies which are selected by the government of Qatar", the statement said adding these airline companies must be approved by the general authority for civil aviation, and their arrival and departure must be via King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz in Madinah.

Their entry stamp for performing Haj and Umrah will be made through the aforementioned two airports.

"The arrival of all pilgrims from Qatar this year will be by air, and in the limits of the numbers being already determined in the Hajj agreement signed for the Hajj season of the year 1438 Hijri", the
statement noted.

The Ministry of Haj and Umrah reiterated that all services and facilities the Saudi government is providing to the guests of the Holy Mosque of Hajis and those who are performing Umrah and visitors, embodies the pioneering and leading role the government of the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince.

Source: Khaleej Times