Makkah — Saudi Arabia’s Hajj ministry has called upon Qatari authorities to stop barring the Qatari citizens and residents from performing the Hajj pilgrimage, and to stop politicization of the holy ritual by Qatari media.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in a statement that the government of Saudi Arabia is taking steps to ensure all means are used to facilitate the arrival of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims coming from Qatar similar to what it does towards all Muslims wishing to perform the annual Hajj or Umrah.
“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah rejects allegations made by the Qatari Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs that the government of Saudi Arabia is obstructing those who wish to visit the holy sites from Qatar to perform Hajj and Umrah,” Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted.
Since Qatari Government has barred its citizens and residents from performing Hajj and Umrah, Saudi authorities have launched a parallel online portal to help Qatari citizens and residents. However, they are subjected to opt for non-Qatari airlines to perform their duties.
The Hajj Ministry also reiterated that Qatari government should stop politicizing Hajj for their personal gain.
“They should not prevent them. They should help them perform the Hajj and Umrah without bringing politics into the matter,” the statement said.
Saudi Arabia imposed blockade on Qatar in Ramadan 2017, due to Qatari involvement in aiding Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen through intelligence and media support.
