RIYADH — As of Thursday, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah has issued a total of 1,723,749 Umrah visas, according to a statement of the ministry. Of this, 1,348,161 pilgrims have so far performed Umrah, and the number of pilgrims staying in the holy cities at present total 318,210.

Pakistan tops the number of pilgrims, reaching 426,969 and Indonesia and India come next with 256,677 and 210,841 respectively. Malaysia, which sent 78,575 pilgrims, was fourth and it was followed by Yemen with 70,303 pilgrims, the ministry said.

There are 8,899 Saudi officials and employees, including 1,467 women, involved in serving the pilgrims at various Umrah companies and establishments, the Saudi Press Agency reported. — SG/SPA