Saudi Arabian government asks global Muslim population to delay Hajj bookings

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

The Saudi Arabian government has asked Muslims planning to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage to delay booking amid uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic. Hajj Minister Mohammed Banten said the kingdom was concerned about the safety of pilgrims and urged people to wait before concluding contracts. It is expected that some two million people will to travel to Mecca and Medina this July and August for the annual gathering. The Muslims who are physically able must undertake the Hajj once in a lifetime.

The lesser pilgrimage, the Umra, has already been suspended as a precaution to try to reduce the spread of the coronavirus or COVID 19. The people are also being prevented from entering Mecca and Medina, as well as the capital Riyadh, as the Saudi authorities attempt to contain an outbreak of Covid-19 that has infected at least 1,563 people and claimed 10 lives in the country.

Mr Banten told that Saudi Arabia is fully ready to serve pilgrims and Umra seekers in all circumstances. But under the current circumstances, as they are talking about the global pandemic, from which they  have asked God to save the humans, the kingdom is keen to protect the health of Muslims and citizens.

He added that the Hajj and health ministry’s had been inspecting hotels currently being used to accommodate people who had been undertaking Umra before the suspension and then been told to self-isolate or been unable to return home.

The minister also said that, for the time being, people who had purchased Umra visas and that could not be used would be refunded the cost.

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