Saudi Arabia to allow foreigners to perform Hajj in 2021

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that it would allow pilgrims from outside the country to perform Hajj this year, local media reported, Report informs, citing Al-Watan newspaper.

The pilgrimage will be open to all in the 2021 season with strict health and preventive measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Kingdom.

The move comes after the Kingdom's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said on May 9 that it would be going ahead with this year's pilgrimage with all health, security, and regulatory measures in place to preserve pilgrims' health and well-being.

Earlier this month, the ministry said health institutions in Saudi Arabia would continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary steps to protect the health of all people.

The ministry said it would announce specific measures and organizational plans later.

Hajj, which usually sees over 2.5 million Muslims travel to Makkah, was curtailed last year to allow 1,000 pilgrims to participate due to COVID-19.