Kerala clears 10,000 people for Hajj amidst Coronavirus fears

In backdrop of coronavirus outbreak in world, more than 10,000 people in Kerala have been cleared by State Hajj Committee despite Saudi Arabia suspending visas for Umrah pilgrim. 

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Chairperson of Kerala State Hajj Committee said, "This year more than 10,000 people in Kerala have been cleared by Hajj committee. re is cause of worry. We hope that during time of Hajj pilgrim, travel restriction by Saudi Arabia will be lifted".

Umrah and Hajj

Hajj and Umrah are religious pilgrims to Mecca situated in Saudi Arabia. Hajj takes place from 8th through 12th day of last month of Islamic year (Dhul Hijah). timing of Hajj (based on lunar Islamic calendar) varies with respect to Gregorian calendar, occurring about 11 days earlier each successive year. Muslims may perform Umrah, “mir pilgrim,” any time of year; unlike Hajj, Umrah is t compulsory. Every year approximately 7 million people visit Umrah pilgrim.  

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" move by Saudi Arabian government to impose travel restriction was due to outbreak of Coronavirus. It is a preventive step to contain it. In such large garings, if one person is affected, it will spre to ors. So we fully understand concerns of Saudi government," he prounced.

State Hajji Committee only processes requests of annual Hajj visit pilgrims and t Umrah, he furr ded. 

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Stating committee hasn't received any travel restrictions, he clarified, "This year we expect Hajj pilgrim season to be from June to August after Ramzan. But it may vary according to Ramzan date. Till w we yet get any official correspondence from Saudi government regarding travel restrictions."

From countries affected by Coronavirus, Saudi Arabian government has suspended visas with people cancelling ir Umrah pilgrim last minute. 

Representative Im

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