World
Saudi Arabia bars Hajj for outsiders
Saudi Arabia Saturday said it will limit registration for Hajj pilgrimage—scheduled to begin mid-July to citizens and residents of the Kingdom in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
The ministries of health and Hajj announced that a total of 60,000 hajjis will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage this year.
It stressed that those wishing to perform Hajj must be free of any chronic diseases, and to be within the ages of 18 to 65 years for those vaccinated against the virus according to the kingdom’s vaccination measures.
The decision is “based on the Kingdom’s constant keenness to enable the guests and visitors at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque to perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah,” the ministry said.
“The Kingdom puts human health and safety first.”
Due to the Corona epidemic, foreign pilgrims including Pakistanis will not be able to go to Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year.
According to the statement, citizens of any country will not be allowed to come for Hajj this year while only those who have been vaccinated against COVID will be allowed to perform Hajj.
While foreigners including Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia will be able to peform Hajj.