Jeddah, Jul 11: A total of 4.8 million pilgrims performed Umrah up until Tuesday, the last day of Shabaan, according to a senior government official.
Hatem Al-Qadi, deputy minister of Haj and spokesman for the ministry, said 4.5 million pilgrims have already left the Kingdom. “We now have only 300,000 people who have not left so far.”
He said the recent extension of applications for Umrah until Ramadan 10 (July 19) would not cause overcrowding.
“We are taking into account the huge expansion project of the tawaf area at the Grand Mosque, which is currently under way. Umrah companies still have time to obtain visas, provided pilgrims in the country leave before new ones arrive.”
He said that the decision to extend the deadline for Umrah visas was welcomed by Umrah companies.
“This expansion project of the two holy mosques is the largest ever. Experts say that the mosque can accommodate a maximum number of 500,000 people each night,” he said.
Al-Qadi said the ministry was conducting inspection campaigns to ensure Umrah companies provide the services they promise pilgrims.
“Of special importance in this regard is that they should provide accommodation, adequate food and adequate transportation to and from the holy places.”
“Sometimes the minister of Haj also participates in the inspections to ensure that everything is alright. He is accompanied on these visits by Issa Rawwas, deputy minister for Umrah affairs,” he said.
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