Saudi Arabia has announced a new rule for Umrah, the minor pilgrimage in Mecca, during Ramadan to prevent overcrowding. The concerned ministry says people can’t do repeat Umrah during Ramadan. Umrah is very busy during Ramadan because it’s an important time for Muslims. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah explained this rule to reduce crowds and give everyone a chance to do Umrah. They want to manage the crowds better.
If someone tries to get a permit for a second Umrah during Ramadan, they will see a message saying they can’t do it. This message appears on a Saudi government website for Umrah procedures.
During Ramadan, many Muslims, both inside and outside Saudi Arabia, go to Mecca for Umrah and prayers. Saudi Arabia is getting ready for this by making plans to help people do Umrah comfortably. They will use specific areas in the Grand Mosque for Umrah pilgrims. They also have special gates for people coming in and out to avoid too many people in one place.
In the past few months, Saudi Arabia has made it easier for Muslims from other countries to come for Umrah. People with different types of visas, like personal, visit, and tourism visas, can do Umrah. They just need to book online before they come.
Saudi Arabia has also made Umrah visas last longer. Before, they were valid for 30 days, but now they are valid for 90 days. This gives people more time to do Umrah and visit important places like the tomb of the Prophet Mohammad in Medina.
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