The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Saturday that Saudi Arabia will increase this year's Hajj capacity to 1 million pilgrims as per new Hajj policy 2022.
The ministry said this decision will be implemented in accordance with full security guidelines, based on the government's concerns about the safety of pilgrims and the well-being of visitors to the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.
According to the press release, the kingdom aims to maintain the continuity of the Hajj uninterruptedly and to enable the largest number of Muslims around the world to fulfill their religious duties.
The ministry clarified that according to the Gregorian calendar, pilgrims must be under the age of 65 and must be fully immunized with the basic doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
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Foreign participants must present a negative PCR test for COVID-19 with a sample taken within 72 hours of departure to Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed that pilgrims should adhere to preventive measures and take precautions while performing their Hajj duties to ensure their health and well-being.
“There is so much to do in such a short time, but I am sure that everyone involved in the professional Hajj community will rise to the challenge and help the 1 million pilgrims achieve their dreams,” he said.
He added that everyone in the industry knows what to do. “Special guidance and guidance from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will support the success of Hajj 1443 (2022); Welcoming international pilgrims to Hajj after two years will be a monumental event that brings a great sense of relief and hope.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year's hajj was limited to just 60,000 pilgrims, all from across the kingdom.
" Abrar Mirza, general manager of the Hajj of Pakistan, told media that the announcement was good news for all Muslims, adding that they were all waiting later to see the pilgrims in Mecca and Medina again. He said Muslims should appreciate the cautious strategy of the Saudi leadership to gradually restore the Hajj without endangering human lives.
“The professionals he involves in the processes I have worked with. Their content should have roses across the board. The vision of the management, based on a clear strategy and practical information, has paid off.
Now we Pakistanis are looking forward to performing the Hajj with our sisters and brothers from all over the Muslim world," he says.
