100 Qatari pilgrims complete Hajj entry procedures to Riyadh

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Thu, 17 Aug 2017 - 11:28 GMT

BY

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 - 11:28 GMT

The welcome sign of Qatari pilgrims in Mecca - File Photo

The welcome sign of Qatari pilgrims in Mecca - File Photo

CAIRO – 17 August 2017: The passports department at the Salwa border crossing announced on Thursday the completion of procedures for 100 Qatari pilgrims.

This came following King Salman’s initiative to open the Salwa border crossing to the pilgrims coming from Qatar for Hajj this year, according to Saudi Press Agency.

The King ordered Saudi Arabian Airlines planes to travel to Doha to transport all Qatari pilgrims directly at his expense, despite of the Kingdom’s decision in June to place a trade and air embargo on Qatar.

“Amid the current political situation with Doha, the Saudi government welcomes the pilgrims from all countries of the world, including those coming from Qatar,” the Ministry of Hajj said in a statement released in late July, adding that the authorities allow those who are lawfully approved for Hajj to enter the Kingdom via all airlines except Qatar Airways.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, along with Egypt and Bahrain, decided on June 5 to sever diplomatic and trade relations with Doha, closing their mutual land borders and air spaces.

The decision of the neighboring Arab states came after accusations of Qatar’s support for terrorism surfaced.

Saudi Arabia is currently bracing for the yearly pilgrimage season, whose rituals are regularly performed in Mecca and Medina.

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