Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced, on Saturday, that registration is available for those wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage rituals for the year 1442 AH.
The ministry added that registration is being limited to citizens and residents of the country, with a cap of 60,000 pilgrims expected to attend.
This is the second consecutive year that Saudi Arabia has placed a blanket ban on inbound pilgrims travelling into the country from abroad to perform the Hajj, with the same ban in force in 2020.
The continuing developments of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the emergence of new strains have put the brakes on large crowds of worshippers coming together for such an important religious ritual.
Saudi Arabia has additionally stressed the need for those wishing to perform the Hajj to provide evidence of their health status, including being free of chronic diseases and proof that they have received the vaccine against COVID-19.
Pilgrims must also be within the 18-65 years age group, in accordance with the controls and mechanisms followed in the country for immunisation categories.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed the Saudi government’s keenness on the safety, health, and security of pilgrims, and put this at the forefront of its priorities.
This comes in compliance with Islamic Sharia law’s stance on preserving the human soul, while providing all the necessary facilities for pilgrims, and enabling them to reach the holy sites with ease.
