By Umamah Bakharia

The Government of Saudi Arabia is allowing pilgrims from South Africa to perform Umrah this year. The Kingdom has reported a less strain of infections of Covid-19 which has resulted in the easing of restrictions.

It has also ended social distancing in the two holy mosques and all mosques in the kingdom, however, worshippers are still required to wear masks.

Saudi Arabia has lifted the restrictions of direct flights for countries like South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, Seychelles, Afghanistan and the United Republic of Comoros.

South African Hajj & Umrah Council (SAHUC) President, Shaheen Essop discusses this further with Radio Islam.

“It was inevitable, it needed to be done and I think the closer we get to Ramadan and with the rumours that are coming out of the Kingdom, Hajj might be able to take place [this year],” says Essop.

SAHUC says they are very pleased with this decision, however, Saudi Arabia states that any entry into the Kingdom requires persons to be double vaccinated in order to get a visa.

PCR test as well as social distancing has been scrapped. Masks are still required in Madina but not in Makkah.

Essop advises that those wanting to perform Umrah should get in contact with accredited Umrah operators, which can be found on the Ministry of Hajj and umrah’s website.

“One of the biggest problems we found, once this announcement was made a lot of operators that are not on that list seem to be advertising for Umrah,” says Essop.

SAHUC says this year might see an increase in travel and food costs due to the war in Ukraine.