The quota for pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah can be reduced up to 20% this year. Embassies of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the countries with Muslim Residents all over the world sent official letters containing this information to local Muftiates and Religious Administrations.

Decision on measures to reduce the number of pilgrims is taken due to large-scale works in order to modernize and build-out the Holy Mosque of Al-Haram in Makkah. The construction works will proceed even during the Hajj period.

Besides that, the Saudi Ministry of the Pilgrims Affairs reduces the limits in visas for performing the Umrah. Such visas will be valid for 14 days instead of 30 as earlier.

The Ministry Officer noted, that 7 to 8 thousand pilgrims arrive to Makkah every day. The new duration term is expected to reduce the number of Pilgrims coming to perform the Umrah during the month of Ramadan.