Nearly half a million travelers have submitted applications for the Hajj pilgrimage
Reworked Article:
Swarm of Pilgrims Rush to Secure Hajj Slots as Saudi Arabia Implements COVID-19 Measures
Over 450,000 citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia dived headfirst into the Hajj application pool, eager to nab tickets for this year's pilgrimage. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah shared that the male applicants accounted for 60% of the total applications, with females clocking in at 40%.
Not long ago, Saudi authorities announced a list of COVID-19 restrictions for the Hajj. The kingdom decided that no foreign guests would be permitted to partake in this year's pilgrimage, with a cap set at 60,000 local participants.
In Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat's, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah's words, only those aged 18 and above would be allowed to step foot on the holy sites this season. Individuals aged 50 and above who've never performed the Hajj are the top priority for the event.
Keep in mind that in 2021, Saudi Arabia limited the number of pilgrims significantly due to COVID-19 concerns, allowing only citizens and residents of the kingdom to participate. In 2020, all foreign guests were barred from the Hajj due to the pandemic.
To ensure the safety of pilgrims, participants were advised to follow stringent health safety measures, such as practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and maintaining good hygiene. While there might not have been a vaccination requirement for Hajj in 2021, potential pilgrims had to meet specific health standards and submitting to PCR tests before joining the gathering.
In the future, as of 2025, Umrah pilgrims must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and meet specific health and entry requirements to participate in the rituals. However, these rules are dynamic, and it's crucial to stay up to date on the latest guidelines before setting off on a spiritual journey.
- As the health restrictions for the Hajj pilgrimage this year were announced, global interest in the scientific approach taken by Saudi authorities towards maintaining health-and-wellness within the pilgrimage settings was sparked.
- The opening of the Hajj application pool for 2022 has seen an influx of applicants, possibly influenced by the state's stringent COVID-19 measures implemented during the pilgrimage.
- In line with recent health advancements, Saudi Arabia has declared that all participants in the Umrah pilgrimage starting from 2025 will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and meet specific health and entry prerequisites.
- Despite the restrictions placed on foreign participation in the 2021 Hajj pilgrimage due to COVID-19, citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia were encouraged to follow comprehensive health safety measures, including mandatory PCR tests prior to attending the rituals.
