JEDDAH — Ministry of Haj & Umrah Authorities in Saudi Arabia have decided to allow 60,000 pilgrims of vaccinated citizens and residents who are already in the Kingdom to do this year’s Hajj.
In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in light of the continuation of the coronavirus pandemic and the risks of infections spreading in crowded spaces and large gatherings, it has been decided that Hajj for this year 2021 (1442 H) will be held whereby a limited number of pilgrims from various nationalities who already reside in Saudi Arabia only, would be able to perform Haj.
The ministry stressed that those wishing to perform Hajj must be free of any chronic diseases, and also within the age limit from 18 to 65 years for those vaccinated against the virus with one dose or two doses or recovered from the infection.
“The government of Saudi Arabia always prioritizes the safety, health Measure and security of pilgrims, and was honored to serve more than 150 million pilgrims in the last ten years,” the ministry said.
“It was decided to limit the availability of registration for those wishing to perform the Hajj through an electronic path in order to ensure that the rituals are performed in good health, security and safety, while adhering to regulatory controls, health standards and security requirements,” the ministry added.
The Hajj pilgrimage this year is expected to begin mid-July. The link to register can be accessed here: localhaj.haj.gov.sa
The registration portal will be launched on June 13 at 1 p.m., the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said, adding that there is no priority for early registration.
First Hajj amid coronavirus
Last year, the Kingdom only allowed a limited number of people who met certain criteria to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and required for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime.
As few as 1,000 people who were already residing in Saudi Arabia were selected to take part. Two-thirds were foreign residents from among the 160 different nationalities that would have normally been represented at the hajj. One-third were Saudi security personnel and medical staff.