J&K Hajj Umrah Tour Operators Association welcomes resumption of Umrah services from India

Srinagar: All Jammu Kashmir Hajj Umrah Tour Operators Association on Saturday has welcomed the move of resumption of Umrah from India after the span of two years.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has announced that the kingdom has decided to accept foreign pilgrims who want to perform Umrah under the updated Coronavirus-related restrictions. Saudi Arabia has gradually begun receiving Umrah pilgrimage from abroad for vaccinated pilgrims.

India had announced plans to allow resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services from December 15 with certain conditions. However, on December 1, the Directorate General of Central Aviation (DGCA) said it is “closely monitoring” the situation emerging out of the Covid-19’s Omicron variant and the final decision on the resumption of near normal international flight operations will be taken after consultation with stakeholders. The DGCA extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights till January 31, 2022. As such the resumption of normal flights to Saudi Arabia is expected to commence from 1st February 2022, if the situation is found to be improved by the concerned authorities. This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.

However with the resumption of Umrah Intending Pilgrims willing to undertake the Umrah Pilgrimage can travel to Saudi Arabia via flights through Dubai, Sharjah, Bahrain, Oman & Gulf after qualifying the Covid-19 protocol of that country.

“We are exploring all possibilities of facilitating Umrah pilgrimage in a smooth and ethical way. To avoid last minute disappointments and inconveniences, we request the public to book their Umrah pilgrimage only with the registered and reputed companies,” a statement from the association reads.

The association is a group of registered Hajj tour operators, registered & recognized by Ministry of minority affairs Govt. of India and Ministry of Hajj Kingdom of Saudi Arabia & Trade Union Act 1926 Section 28.

“A list of registered members shall be made public for enquiries regarding the formalities soon,” the statement further reads.