Amid Covid-19, Saudi Arabia bars foreign travellers from Haj

June 12: Saudi Arabia has reportedly restricted the annual Haj pilgrimage to its own citizens and residents for the 2nd year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As per reports, this year’s Haj pilgrimage will be reported to no more than 60,000 people, all of them from within the kingdom. Only citizens aged between 18 to 65 who have been vaccinated against the virus will reportedly be able to take part in the Haj pilgrimage.

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is honoured 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, mentioned a statement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency while quoting the kingdom’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry.