Saudi Arabia makes COVID jab compulsory for Umrah pilgrims

As per the new guidelines that will come into effect from on the 1st of Ramadan, only those who have received coronavirus vaccines will be allowed to enter the holy mosques, reported the country's media.

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The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announces the procedure and health requirements to issue #Umrah, prayer, and visit permits during the holy month of Ramadan. pic.twitter.com/uqRcBaCtgt

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) April 5, 2021

The Saudi government's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also issued a statement stating that anyone wishing to obtain a permit for Umrah must obtain both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and then receive an official certificate of vaccination.

The certificate must be uploaded on a dedicated app made for this purpose.

The ministry said the new rules would also apply to those who spent 14 days after taking the first dose of the vaccine or those who had recovered from the coronavirus.

The ministry said all rules would be followed during the month of Ramadan to prevent the spread of the coronavirus around the Makkah and for this purpose, a large number of people would be hired.