The Religious Affairs Ministry has actually established new requirements for Indonesians meaning to go on umrah ( small haj) as Saudi Arabia is set to open its doors to international pilgrims on Nov. 1.
The ministry ' s umrah and special haj director, Arfi Hatim, stated on Thursday that just pilgrims in between 18 and 50 years of ages were eligible for the pilgrimage in line with Saudi Arabia’s newest policy.
” We are presently settling a ministerial decree on organizing umrah during the pandemic, which will stipulate the requirements for pilgrims,” Arfi stated in a statement.
Saudi Arabia has actually permitted individuals residing within the country to go on the trip because Oct. 4 following a seven-month pause due to coronavirus issues. The Middle Eastern country will also permit global pilgrims from particular nations considered safe starting on Nov. 1.
According to the ministry, almost 60,000 pilgrims had gotten their umrah registration number, however might not take a trip due to the temporarily halt on the expedition in Saudi Arabia.
Out of the total, only around 26,000 would meet Saudi’s age requirement of 18 to 50 years old, Arfi said. Over 21,000 of them had entirely paid their pilgrimage cost and received the registration number when Saudi closed its borders in February.
In addition to the age requirement, pilgrims will likewise be required to follow rigorous health protocols that would be stated in the ministerial decree.
” For those who have actually signed up but do not meet the requirements for departure, please be patient. Do postpone your departure until the pandemic ends,” Arfi urged.
