Riyadh (Web Desk): Saudi Arabia on Saturday announced it has barred this year’s hajj pilgrimage for the foreigners due to COVID-19.
“In light of what the whole world is witnessing from the continuing developments of the coronavirus pandemic and the emergence of new mutations, Hajj registration will be limited to residents and citizens from inside the Kingdom only, the Saudi Hajj ministry announced.
It stressed that those desire to perform Hajj (fifth pillar of Islam) must be free of any chronic diseases, should be vaccinated and fall within the age limits from 18 to 65 years.
Earlier, it was expected the Saudi government may allow foreigners for Hajj and is in a process of finalising the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in this regard.
Saudi Arabia has so far recorded more than 460,000 coronavirus infections, including 7,536 deaths.
The health ministry says it has administered more than 15 million coronavirus vaccine doses, in a country with a population of over 34 million.
