Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The first foreign pilgrims to perform Umrah this year will arrive in the Kingdom on Friday, said Hani Ali Al-Amiri member of the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah.

The pilgrims from Nigeria will be the first to arrive at 9.00 p.m. in King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah.

Al-Amiri confirmed that the housing companies are ready to receive the pilgrims from the airport and hotels and supervise their entry to the Grand Mosque.

Umrah appointments will be taken through the "Eatmarna" application and so will the follow-up with each group during their performance of Umrah or visiting Madinah.

Al-Amiri added that pilgrims will be able to purchase the entire Umrah program, including flights, transportation, hotels, and choose Umrah companies through electronic platforms.

They can register for Umrah programs and purchasing services packages through the “Maqam” e-portal.

In a statement by concerned authorities, Umrah companies are obligated to allocate 10% of hotel rooms, in housing foreign pilgrims, for isolation, and the number of people should not exceed two people in each room, to ensure safety procedures for pilgrims from the coronavirus.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also stressed not to exceed 50% of the capacity of the buses that will transport pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah, with conditions of commitment to implement precautionary measures.