The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs expressed on Wednesday its surprise at a statement by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia regarding the rights of citizens and residents of Qatar in practising Islamic rituals in Makkah.
The ministry said that the statement did not bring anything new to resolve the obstacles that have existed since June 5, 2017.
In a statement, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs denied claims that Qatar did not enable citizens and residents to perform Haj and Umrah, stressing that the kingdom continues to impose obstacles and arbitrary measures that single out those living in Qatar.
The ministry backed its statement with a number of issues that remain unresolved. It said that reaching Jeddah by road from Doha was not possible due to the closing of the borders, direct air travel from Doha to Jeddah was also unavailable, which represents a burden on pilgrims in general and the elderly in particular, many of whom are suffering from diseases. The ministry also noted that the entry of citizens and residents of Qatar was subject only to the whims of the designated employees.
The ministry also said that they documented a number of cases of people being prevented from performing Umrah in the past. The ministry also received complaints that some Qatari citizens tried to communicate with the certified Haj and Umrah companies in Saudi Arabia but were ignored. 
The ministry then renewed its call on the designated authorities in Saudi Arabia to separate religious rights from political disputes, especially during the holy month.
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