Saudi Arabia bans foreigners from hajj over COVID concerns

Saudi Arabia has announced that this year’s hajj pilgrimage will be limited to 60,000 vaccinated people from within the kingdom because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Report informs referring to The Guardian.

The announcement comes after the kingdom ran a reduced pilgrimage last year, but still allowed a small number of people to take part in the annual event.

This year’s hajj, which begins in mid-July, will be also limited to vaccinated people aged 18 to 65.

The hajj, a physically demanding and often costly pilgrimage that draws faithful from around the world, would normally draw as many as 2 million people. All able-bodied Muslims are required to perform it at least once in their lifetimes, and it is seen as a chance to wipe clean past sins and encourage greater humility and unity.

The kingdom’s ruling family stakes its legitimacy on overseeing and protecting the hajj sites and ensuring the pilgrimage happens every year.

“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is honored to host pilgrims every year, confirms that this arrangement comes out of its constant concern for the health, safety and security of pilgrims as well as the safety of their countries,” the statement said.