Srinagar, Dec 18: All Jammu Kashmir Hajj Umrah Tour Operators Association (AJKHUTO) has welcomed the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia’s move to accept foreign pilgrims for Umrah.
In a statement to Ziraat Times, the association has also provided information to prospective Umrah pilgrims from J&K about the current status on travel protocols, requirement of transit and the precautions they must take before embarking on the journey.
Here is the full and unedited text of the statement issued by the Asaociation:
In a welcome move, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has announced on Sunday that the kingdom has decided to accept foreign pilgrims, who want to perform Umrah under the updated coronavirus-related restrictions. Saudi Arabia has gradually begin receiving Umrah pilgrimage from abroad for vaccinated pilgrims.
All Jammu Kashmir Hajj Umrah Tour Operators Association which is the Group of Registered Hajj Tour Operators ,Registered & Recognized by Ministry of Minority affairs Govt. of India and Ministry of Hajj Kingdom of Saudia Arabia & Trade Union Act 1926 Section 28 , Has welcomed the move Of resumption of Umrah from India after the span of two years.
India had announced plans to allow resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services from December 15 with certain conditions. However, on December 1, the Directorate General of Central Aviation (DGCA) said it is “closely monitoring” the situation emerging out of the Covid-19’s Omicron variant and the final decision on the resumption of near normal international flight operations will be taken after consultation with stakeholders. The DGCA extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights till January 31, 2022. As such the resumption of normal flights to Saudia Arabia is expected commence from 1st February 2022 , if the situation is found to be improved  by the competent authorities. This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.
However with the resumption of Umrah Intending Pilgrims willing to undertake the Umrah Pilgrimage can travel to Saudia Arabia on Via Flights through Dubai , Sharjah , Bahreen, Oman & Gulf after qualifying the laid Covid 19 Protocol of that country.
However Charter flights cant be arranged for pilgrimage as its does not fulfill the criteria as its neither a humanitarian issue nor any repatriation of stranded passengers .
We at All Jammu Kashmir Hajj Umrah Tour Operators Association are exploring all the possibilities of facilitating Umrah Pilgrimage as a Moral Obligations and operating ETHICALLY & discuss the package thoroughly with Terms and Conditions to facilitate the Piligrims , with out any Ambiguity , inconvenience and any UnEthical Business practice that will create inconvenience to the General Public and the indenting Pilgrims . To avaoid Last minute disappointments and inconvenience we request public to book with registered and reputed companies with registered offices.
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For the enquiry regarding formalities , Covid 19 Protocols and booking regarding Umrah Pilgrimage a List of Registered members shall be made public by  All Jammu Kashmir Hajj Umrah Tour Operators Association.
Sd/-
Umar Nazir Tibet Baqal
General Secretary
AJKHUTOA
