Saudi Interior Ministry: Umrah travelers must make reservations via an app
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Hashim Sheikh
- . March 22, 2023
- . Update: March 22, 2023 5:06 pm
The Nusuk or Tawakkalna applications are now required to be used by pilgrims who desire to participate in the Muslim Umrah ceremony, the Saudi interior ministry declared on Tuesday.
“The Umrah security plan for (this) year included managing and organizing crowds and traffic, providing humanitarian services, supporting and empowering the entities participating in implementing the plan, and distributing manpower,” said Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami.
He emphasized that there were “plenty” bookings available and urged pilgrims to keep to their scheduled departure dates, all of which were planned in conjunction with the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Ministry of Hajj.
The ministry’s plans and preparations for this year’s Umrah season were discussed during a press conference for the heads of the Umrah security forces at the 911 Unified Operations Center in Makkah, according to the state-run SPA news agency.
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“The paths were rearranged to ensure crowd movement safety,” Al-Bassami added. “The expected densities in public transport stations at the entrances to Makkah and close to the Third Ring Road and near to the Holy Mosque of Makkah were taken into account.”
In order to protect public health and to follow the guidelines for recommended preventative measures and health regulations, he emphasized the need of wearing face masks.
Al-Bassami claimed that huge audiences would be routed in the appropriate direction and that beggars who entered these locations would face stern and strict punishment.
Maj. Gen. Hammoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, director general of civil defense, stated: “The General Directorate of Civil Defense has completed its preparations in all locations frequently visited by pilgrims and tourists to ensure readiness, fire prevention, and protection, especially in areas that witness high density.”
He claimed that the Civil Defense had worked with the relevant authorities to implement laws and control infractions.
Al-Faraj stated that the directorate was prepared for an extensive deployment of safety inspectors and support troops around the Great Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and other significant locations.
He gave high respect to the fire and rescue services in Makkah, Madinah, the centers for the holy sites, and the timing of the deployment of mobile units.
Al-Faraj also welcomed the establishment of several fast response teams, particularly in Makkah’s center region, particularly in the vicinity of the Prophet’s Mosque and other significant locations.
According to Maj. Gen. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, deputy director-general of the General Directorate of Passports, his agency worked on early social and technological equipment and preparations for the Umrah season, developed plans and executive programs, increased media awareness, improved communication, and supported and assisted operating agencies for pilgrims.
He claimed that the directorate had finished its operational planning by providing ports with the manpower and cutting-edge technology needed to quickly complete the procedures for pilgrims at all international ports. Qualified staff members who could communicate in a variety of languages were employed to assist guests in following the Umrah instructions.
