The Ghanaian Minaret

Saudi Arabia – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has for the second consecutive year announced the cancellation of Hajj for foreign pilgrims as it intends to allow only 60,000 citizens and residents of all nationalities in the country to perform the muslim hajj ritual this year.

In a statement realeased by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom, through its Ministry of hajj and Umrah has attributed the restriction of pilgrims to challenges in controlling crowds during an era of COVID-19 pandemic.

“Given the nature of the crowds during the Hajj which extends at different times in different and specific places according to the order of performing the rituals which makes the application of the highest levels of health precautions a very vital matter to protect the health of the pilgrims and ensure their safety” the statement noted.

Would be pilgrims, according to the Hajj authorities are also required to among other things, register electronically, be between the age group of 18 and 65 years, must be free from chronic diseases and be vaccinated in accordance with immunization protocols of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government has also given its assurance of paying attention to care, safety and health of pilgrims as it continues to monitor global health situations with emphasis on warnings of COVID-19 spread that may be issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“It has therefore been keen to develop operational plans to achieve all requirements and the availability of all health standards” the statement read.