Saudi Arabia Allows 60,000 Vaccinated Nationals To Perform Hajj This Year

Haj 2021 is scheduled to start from 17 July 2021, this year and along with it comes the rules of travel. Saudi Arabia has now announced that the country will only allow 60,000 vaccinated nationals to perform Hajj this year.

The official statement said that this year's Hajj is "open for nationals and residents of the kingdom, limited to 60,000 pilgrims."

It is clear that the pilgrimage will be open only to Saudi citizens who have been fully vaccinated against covid-19, and who are under the age of 65. In addition, the pilgrims should not have any chronic disease. These measures have been taken due to the ongoing covid-19 situation globally.

Hajj usually sees lakhs of pilgrims this year will once again see a much smaller number of pilgrims, last year only 10,000 Muslims participated in it. In 2019, the pilgrimage had recorded 2.5 million pilgrims.

The Hajj Ministry on Hajj 2021 stated that, "In light of what the whole world is witnessing with the coronavirus pandemic... and the emergence of new variants, the relevant authorities have continued to monitor the global health situation. Considering the large crowds that perform Hajj, spending long periods of time in multiple and specific places... required the highest levels of health precautions."

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has eased its restrictions on Umrah throughout the year, and opened the Grand Mosque last October. Currently, 20000 pilgrims can go for Umrah daily, while 60000 worshipers are allowed to enter the Grand Mosque for daily prayers. Umrah will return to its former self only after the covid-19 pandemic is over.

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