Saudi Arabia allows foreign pilgrims to enter for Umrah pilgrimage

Saudi Arabia allows worshippers from foreigncountries to perform theUmrahpilgrimage in Mecca starting on Sunday (November 1) as the kingdom relaxes measures it had taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

According toAmr Al-Maddah, deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, ''The pilgrims must isolate for three days after arrival before being transported to religious sites.''

Al-Maddah said the testing of pilgrims,who are all 50 years old or younger,for COVID-19 will be continuous and any cases detected will be closely monitored.

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The revered Black Stonein the Kaaba,which is customary but not mandatory to touch during the pilgrimage,will be out of reach.

The Grand Mosque is to be sterilised before and after each group of worshippers. Thermal sensors have been installed to measure the body temperature of pilgrims, Mecca authorities said.

Umrahis a pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year, in contrast to Hajj, which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Umrahusually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year. Authorities said the Umrahwill be allowed to return to full capacity once the threat of the pandemic has abated.

Saudi Arabia closed its borders in February to foreignUmrahpilgrims, and in March stopped its own citizens and residents from taking part. In July, it allowed a limited number of domestic pilgrims to perform the Hajj.