RIYADH: Umrah pilgrimage, which was temporarily stopped due to the Covid-19 pandemic resumed from Sunday. The pilgrimage restarted from Sunday after a gap of seven months. In the first phase, 6,000 persons will be given nod to participate in the pilgrimage per day.

The rituals will be performed under the procedures framed under Covid-19 protocol.

Only those pilgrims who have pre-registered via online will be given clearance. A new app has been made available for registration. As of now, 1 lakh pilgrims were given nod for the pilgrimage. The devotees would be given the opportunity to perform the Umrah ritual at the designated time determined by the authorities.

The pilgrims would be sent to the site of Umrah in groups. Each group will have 1000 pilgrims. One group will be given 3 hours to perform Umrah. Likewise, six groups will be allowed to perform Umrah in a day. Those who require medical assistance will be provided with the services of health workers. In subsequent stages, more devotees would be allowed to perform the sacred ritual.