Saudi Arabia to allow vaccinated people to perform pilgrimage during Ramadan

Saudi authorities said that only people immunized against COVID-19 will be allowed to perform the year-round Umrah pilgrimage, starting from the holy month of Ramadan, Report informs referring to Al Jazeera.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in a statement that only “immunized people” will be granted permits to perform Umrah as well as prayers in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca.

These include individuals who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, those having received one dose of the vaccine at least 14 days before performing the pilgrimage, or a person who has recovered from the virus, the ministry said.

The ministry also said it would increase the operational capacity of the holy mosque in adherence with COVID-19 measures and restrictions.

The kingdom’s health ministry said it has administered more than five million coronavirus vaccines, in a country with a population of over 34 million.