Here’s what’s happened since last week’s updates: NHRC to raise issue of Saudi obstacles for Qatar pilgrims at UN bodies -- GCC Crisis Updates Week 101

Saudi Arabia has claimed to activate a new web link to handle requests from Qatari nationals wishing to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. The state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said in a statement that the new link is https://qtumra.haj.gov.sa and this initiative is a part of the Saudi government’s efforts “to ease the procedures of applying for Umrah, and overcome all obstacles that may face them to perform this rite."

Having said that when we tried to open the link, we were unable to get access to the link. Which means there are no signs of positivity or hope that reflects the Saudi authorities' willingness to put an end to the obstacles that deprive citizens and residents of Qatar of performing their religious rituals (Hajj and Umrah) for the third consecutive year.

Qatar urges Saudi to remove hajj obstacles to its citizens

Qatar has urged Saudi Arabia to remove “obstacles and restrictions” for its residents wishing to perform the hajj pilgrimage. In a recent statement, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) demanded that the Saudi authorities provide all facilities, similar to what is provided to the rest of the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Arab and Islamic countries, to pilgrims from Qatar.

“Direct flights from Doha to Jeddah are still not allowed for airlines. The land border to Saudi Arabia is also closed,” the ministry said.

The ministry said the Saudi authorities do not allow the Umrah and Hajj campaigns to enter and take necessary steps, similar to the campaigns of all other countries, which means that they can not ensure the safety of pilgrims.The ministry warned against systematic media incitement against Qataris and the dangers that may ensue.

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Khadiza Begum

Content Writer

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