The Saudi government has issued instructions to all Umrah pilgrims coming from abroad, in which it has been asked to follow the instructions regarding traveling by buses.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set the travel regulations for Umrah pilgrims coming from outside the country to Makkah, the general syndicate of buses has been instructed to follow the safety measures set by the Ministry of Health.
According to Saudi media, the General Syndicate of Buses has been told that any bus older than 5 years should not be used to transport Umrah pilgrims.
The instructions have said that every bus for Umrah pilgrims should be equipped with an automatic monitoring system. Bus service should be provided on highways. Each bus should have one driver and one helper.
The duration of duty of any bus driver or helper should not exceed eight hours. Driver and helper should obtain permission from concerned authority. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah may impose further restrictions on buses.
Apart from this, a list of bus route, destination and names of Umrah pilgrims should be prepared, including the name of the driver and helper. All transport workers should be trained in safety measures and sanitizers should be provided in buses. Its in any bus
More than fifty percent capacity should not be used, buses should be reserved for Umrah pilgrims, their buses should not be used for any other purpose.
Makkah Traffic Department has set up twelve check posts around Masjid-ul-Haram where permits of Umrah pilgrims and worshipers are being checked.
It is also being ascertained whether they have bookings in hotels around Haram Makkah or not. Pilgrims with Umrah permits who do not have bookings in hotels are being sent to a special parking lot from where buses will take them to Masjid al-Haram. The sides will take the transport station.
Officials of the Makkah Traffic Department are also forming a convoy of taxis to facilitate the transfer of Umrah pilgrims and pilgrims after the obligatory prayers and Umrah.
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Ministry of Hajj and Umrah latest news 2024
**Interview with Mr. Ahmad Al-Farhan, a Spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Al-Farhan. We’ve heard about the new travel regulations for Umrah pilgrims regarding bus transportation. Can you explain the rationale behind these instructions?
**Mr. Al-Farhan:** Thank you for having me. The primary concern of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is the safety and health of all pilgrims. By setting these regulations, particularly the mandate that buses older than five years cannot be used, we aim to ensure that the vehicles are in excellent condition, minimizing any potential safety hazards during transit.
**Editor:** That’s reassuring. What specific safety measures has the Ministry set for the bus operators?
**Mr. Al-Farhan:** The Ministry has outlined several key safety measures. Each bus must undergo a thorough inspection to ensure it meets health and safety standards, including the proper functioning of seat belts, air conditioning, and cleanliness. Additionally, bus operators are required to train their drivers on how to handle emergencies responsibly.
**Editor:** How are these regulations communicated to the bus operators and pilgrims?
**Mr. Al-Farhan:** We have established a clear communication channel with the General Syndicate of Buses, providing them with all necessary circulars and guidelines. Moreover, we also brief the pilgrims, both through our official platforms and during their entry into the country, making sure they understand the regulations in advance.
**Editor:** That’s excellent. With these measures in place, how do you envision the experience for Umrah pilgrims during their journey to Makkah?
**Mr. Al-Farhan:** We believe that with these new regulations, pilgrims will have a safer and more comfortable journey. The optimized transport system will also enhance their overall experience, allowing them to focus on their spiritual journey instead of worrying about transportation issues.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing these insights, Mr. Al-Farhan. It sounds like the Ministry is taking significant steps to ensure pilgrims have a safe and meaningful experience during Umrah.
**Mr. Al-Farhan:** Thank you for having me. We look forward to welcoming pilgrims and ensuring their journey is smooth and secure.
**Editor:** We appreciate your time today and the important work the Ministry is doing.
