The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has set guidelines for parents arriving in Makkah to perform Umrah or minor pilgrimage, Gulf News reported.

The parents were directed to teach their children to show respect for the Holy Quran, copies of which are readily available at the Grand Mosque where Umrah rites are undertaken.

The guardians of the little pilgrims were advised to teach them to keep quiet while in Khaan-e-Kaaba along with escorting them on escalators for their safety.

The adult pilgrims were urged to tell their children to seek security personnel on duty whenever needed.

Read: Saudia Arabia bans serving iftar inside mosques

The set of guidelines came as Ramadan is set to begin in a few weeks when the Umrah season is usually at its peak.

Muslims, who cannot physically or financially afford the annual Hajj pilgrimage, go to Saudi Arabia to undertake Umrah at the Grand Mosque.

It is pertinent to mention that Saudi authorities have extended the Umrah visa to 90 days from the earlier 30 days. The visa holders are allowed to arrive in the kingdom via all land, air and sea routes and leave from any airport.

Additionally, women pilgrims will no longer required to be escorted by male guardians.

In a major change to visa rules, the kingdom has also allowed expatriates living in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to apply for a tourist visa and perform Umrah.