The Saudi Authorities have announced ease of health restrictions effective from Sunday 17th October 2021 and the two holy mosques will operate at full capacity.  Welcoming the news Yasmin Qureshi MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hajj & Umrah said:

“We are delighted to learn that the Saudi Authorities are easing health measures, in particular to learn that the Two Holy Mosques will now be operating at full capacity.  This is great news for the Muslim community.   For many people not to be able to pray in both of the grand mosques was heartbreaking and not being able to do Umrah.  Everyone will be delighted. They had allowed very limited use with health restrictions, and many thought they may die due to COVID before getting an opportunity to perform Hajj & Umrah.  Great news and a good day for Muslims”.

Rashid Mogradia, CEO of the CBHUK, The Council of British Hajjis and APPG Secretariat  welcomed the decision. Having just returned back from his visit to Saudi Arabia and having had the opportunity to perform Umrah, it was clear that the precautionary health measures implemented in the Kingdom were working as COVID rates were very low.

“Seeing the Holy Mosques return to full capacity will bring hope to British Muslims and Muslims from around the world that the global pandemic is under control and we can start to return back to some kind of normality.
Many British Muslims have started to make use of the new eVisa introduced by Saudi Arabia which makes travel to the country easier and hassle free whilst allowing them to explore the Kingdom beyond Umrah”.

CBHUK will be hosting the “Umrah+ Connect” event in London on 2nd November 2021 for the travel trade interested in learning more about Umrah and Umrah Plus and opportunities to enhance the pilgrimage experience for those performing Umrah.  For more info visit:  www.umrahconenct.org

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Image Credit: SPA – Saudi Press Agency