Bahraini pilgrims vaccinated with Sinopharm are still being barred from entering the Holy Mosque in Mecca to perform Umrah, it is learnt.

The GDN reported last month that Saudi Arabia had stipulated that only pilgrims who had taken World Health Organisation (WHO)-accredited vaccinations against Covid-19 would be allowed to enter the Holy Mosque.

Last Friday, WHO approved Sinopharm for emergency use, in the fight against the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

However, Saudi officials and security personnel around the Holy Mosque are still refusing to allow pilgrims in, saying that the Saudi Cabinet is yet to take a decision on adding the Chinese vaccine to the country’s list.

Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Mohammed Buhamood, who last week went with four others to perform Umrah, said some pilgrims were managing to sneak their way in past security.

“Others just return home without performing Umrah,” he added.

“Why are Bahrainis being prevented from performing Umrah despite being inoculated with a WHO-approved vaccine?”

The former Northern Municipal Council chairman and ex-Bahrain Television news chief, said Bahrain’s authorities were working to get things sorted out but it could take time.

“Eid Al Fitr is just a day or two away and many people like to go to Mecca, but in the current situation many wouldn’t be able to, which would cause huge losses to religious tour companies that depend on the timing,” he said.

The GDN reported last month that pilgrims were faced with two options: Either pay a religious penalty of BD50, remove the white shrouds and remain in Mecca until it was time to return, or wait with the shrouds and hope clearance is given.

The white shroud, or ihram, is seamless white cloth worn by pilgrims during the Haj and Umrah pilgrimages, and is intended to make everyone appear the same, to signify that in front of God there is no difference between a prince and a pauper.

Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry assistant under-secretary for Islamic affairs Dr Shaikh Mohammed Taher Al Qattan said the issue was being followed up with their Saudi counterparts and the Consulate General of Bahrain in Jeddah.

“Bahrain is committed to follow all rules as stipulated by Saudi Arabia or joint decisions taken by GCC member states,” he said.

“We have learnt that pilgrims are still facing problems and we are working to resolve them besides seeking clarification from Saudi authorities on the situation.”

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