Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Ministry of Umrah and Hajj facilitated the return of as many as 450,000 Umrah performers safely to their countries amid precautionary and preventive measures taken by the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Over 60,000 Umrah performers were sent back to their home countries five days after the suspension of international flights in the Kingdom.

Around 1,500 Umrah performers, who were stranded in the Kingdom, also left the Kingdom in April in collaboration with the ministries of foreign affairs, health and interior.

Another 40,000 Umrah performers were brought to Makkah from Madinah with the help of the ministry, to complete their rituals.

The ministry also played host to about 2,000 Umrah performers, who failed to go back to their home countries due to the suspension of international flights.

The ministry and its affiliate departments played their part in the government’s efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus by carrying out a package of programs and initiatives in accordance with the precautionary measures endorsed by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the statement added.