The Interior Ministry has reported Saudi Arabia's decision to gradually resume the Umrah pilgrimage on October 4th, which has been on a 7 month hiatus, following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Umrah was halted in March, to avoid any spread of the pandemic. Initially, the HAJJ pilgrimage was opened up and now in a statement, the ministry has claimed that Umrah will be open for 6,000 citizens at a time, daily. From November, citizens outside the kingdom may be permitted to attend when the capacity will be 20,000.

The Ministry said in a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency, "6,000 citizens and residents within the kingdom will be allowed to perform the Umrah per day from October 4,"

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah are also proceeding to make a mobile application through which people will be able to register and book their pilgrimage venture, with the provided guidelines being followed.

Last week, Saudi Arabia lifted its restriction on international flights after 6 months since COVID 19.