Saudi Arabia to welcome a million Hajj pilgrims

KABUL (Pajhwok): The government of Saudi Arabia has decided to raise the number of Hajj pilgrims for the current year to one million from inside and outside the Kingdom.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had authorised a million pilgrims, both foreign and domestic, to perform Hajj this year (1443H/2022).

The ministry said the Kingdom was keen on ensuring that the maximum number of Muslims worldwide could perform Hajj and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in a safe and spiritual atmosphere.

“It is of supreme importance to the (Saudi) government and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to preserve the safety and security of Hajj pilgrims as well as visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.”

The number of pilgrims coming from specific countries for this year’s Hajj will be in accordance with the quotas allocated to each and in consideration of compliance with health guidelines.

The ministry has clarified that this year’s Hajj will be conducted according to the following regulations:

1. This year’s Hajj is open to those who are under 65 years old and have received approved COVID-19 vaccinations by the Saudi Ministry of Health.
2. Pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom are required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test result performed within 72 hours of the time of departure for the Kingdom.

The ministry has instructed that all pilgrims must follow the health instructions and comply with precautionary measures to preserve their health and safety while performing the Hajj rituals.

jhk/mud