RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced that women worldwide can now perform Hajj and Umrah without the presence of a mehram (blood relative) or a male guardian.
The announcement was made during a press conference by Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, effectively ending the Kingdom’s decades-long rule, according to Arab News.
According to the Hajj Minister, people with any visa can perform Hajj and Umrah with satisfaction and visit any city in the country. “There is no set quota for Umrah pilgrims,” he added.
According to Faten Ibrahim Hussein, a former advisor to the Hajj Minister, pilgrims are given all the amenities necessary to complete the Hajj and Umrah in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.
According to Hussein, “allowing women to undertake Umrah without the requirement of a mahram makes life easier for them because many of them live in challenging social circumstances and may not be able to find a mahram or it may cost them a lot, while they are anxious to perform Umrah.”
