Islamabad: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has issued comprehensive guidelines for parents arriving in Makkah to perform Umrah, aimed at ensuring a respectful and safe experience for families during the minor pilgrimage.
According to Gulf News, parents are instructed to instill in their children a deep respect for the Holy Quran, which is abundantly available at the Grand Mosque where Umrah rituals take place. They are advised to teach their children to maintain silence while inside the Kaaba and to accompany them on escalators for their safety.
Adult pilgrims are urged to educate their children on seeking assistance from security personnel whenever necessary, promoting a sense of security and awareness among the young pilgrims.
These guidelines come ahead of the Ramadan season, during which the Umrah pilgrimage experiences a peak in activity. Muslims who are unable to undertake the annual Hajj pilgrimage often perform Umrah during this auspicious time at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
In a notable development, Saudi authorities have extended the Umrah visa duration from 30 to 90 days, allowing pilgrims ample time to complete their religious rituals. Furthermore, the visa holders are permitted to enter the kingdom through various transportation modes, including land, air, and sea routes, and depart from any airport.
In a significant policy shift, female pilgrims are no longer required to be escorted by male guardians, signifying a progressive change in visa regulations. Moreover, expatriates residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are now eligible to apply for tourist visas and perform Umrah, marking a significant expansion in accessibility for pilgrims across the region.
