656,748 foreign pilgrims now in Kingdom;35pc from South Asia

JEDDAH: A total of 656,748 pilgrims coming from abroad to perform Haj have arrived in the Kingdom as of Friday, the General Directorate of Passports said. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the directorate said 641,896 pilgrims arrived by air, 7,748 came by land, 7,104 by sea.

Of the total arrivals, 232,330 or 35 percent came from the South Asian region. The figure on pilgrims from South Asia was provided by the Foundation of Guides of South Asian pilgrims through its spokesman. Pilgrims started arriving on August 8. Haj will be in the second week of September.