RIYADH (Kashmir English): The Saudi government has made polio vaccination mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom.
This requirement applies to all Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
According to a formal notification issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom, the vaccination must be within six months of departure to avoid complications.
It said the intending Umrah pilgrims must get vaccinated at least four weeks prior to their departure and to carry the vaccination certificate with them.
The Saudi embassy website stated: “All travelers arriving from polio-endemic countries and re-established transmission countries, namely, Afghanistan, Chad, Nigeria and Pakistan, regardless of age and vaccination status, should receive 1 dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV). Proof of polio vaccination at least 6 weeks prior to departure is required for visitors from polio-endemic and re-established transmission countries to apply for an entry visa for Saudi Arabia and travelers will also receive 1 dose of OPV at border points on arrival in Saudi Arabia.”
It said failure to comply with this rule could lead to complications for the pilgrims. Saudi officials have also warned Umrah pilgrims that legal action could be taken against individuals or organizations that fail to follow these new regulations.
Umrah pilgrims’ protection
The move is aimed at safeguarding public health, according to the Saudi officials. They said the move would ensure that Umrah pilgrims remain protected from any potential outbreaks.
Furthermore, the first fast of Ramadan in Pakistan is likely to fall on March 2 (Sunday), as per the Meteorological Department’s latest prediction regarding the moon sighting.
According to the Department, the Ramadan crescent is unlikely to be visible on 29th Sha’ban (February 28).
The new moon will be born on February 28 at 5:45 pm, but its age at sunset on that day (29th Sha’ban) will be only 13 hours and 12 minutes. For the crescent to be visible, it must be at least 19 hours old, according to the experts.
