The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lifted a ban it imposed during the tough period of covid 19 on the annual Hajj rituals. The Kingdom authorities have authorized for one million pilgrims, both foreign and domestic to perform this year’s Hajj.
The ministry in a statement sighted by Zaa News said its decision was of supreme importance to the government of the custodian of the Two Holy Mosque to preserve the safety and security of Hajj pilgrims. The decision the statement added was also in the interest of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque while ensuring that the maximum number of Muslims worldwide can perform Hajj and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in a safe and spiritual atmosphere.
In order to guarantee this, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is seeking to preserve the success it has had in handling the covid 19 pandemic the statement said. The number of pilgrims coming from countries for this year’s Hajj will be in accordance with the quotas allocated to each country and consideration of compliance with all health recommendations.
The Saudi ministry of Hajj statement stated that this year’s pilgrims is open to people under 65 years old and have received the main Covid 19 vaccinations approved by the Saudi ministry of health.
The statement further states that prospective pilgrims outside Saudi Arabia will be required to submit a negative Covid 19 PCR test result from a test performed within 72 hours of the time of departure to the Kingdom.
All prospective pilgrims the statement added are advised to comply with all precautionary measures to preserve their health and safety while performing the Hajj rituals.