Pilgrims in Saudi Arabi’s Makkah have to comply with certain directives, the kingdom has announced recently. The authorities have issued guidelines to the parents and guardians who are planning to take minors along with them to the holy mosques of Makkah and Madinah.

Notably, while offering guidelines, the kingdom has also encouraged pilgrims to accompany children to the Umrah rites, noting that it would enhance their religious connection and attachment to holy sites in the kingdom’s two pilgrimage cities.

In its release, the ministry asked pilgrims escorting their children to take care of them vigilantly by holding them close and avoiding peak times and crowded places. The ministry directed the parents to ensure that they attach electronic tracking bracelets to the children. The release also urged parents to educate their children about the manner in which they have to abide in the holy mosques, The Gulf News reported, citing official sources.

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After the end of the Hajj pilgrimage, which around 1.8 million Muslims from across the globe attended earlier this year, the current season of Umrah has been going on. During the last year, nearly 13.5 Muslims performed Umrah, and the kingdom is planning to welcome more pilgrimages in the coming years.

During the past few months, the country has introduced a set of new norms aimed at facilitating Umrah procedures easily. The country has extended the Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 and allowed holders to enter the kingdom via all land, air, and sea.

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In 2023, the authorities announced that Muhram – a guardian, husband or another relative who cannot legally marry the woman – was no longer required to accompany women pilgrims. The kingdom has introduced several other rules, easing travel requirements for the pilgrimage.