Saudi Arabia to allow one million hajj pilgrims this year

AFP/APP

Riyadh: Millions of Muslims around the world have received a renewed sense of hope as Saudi Arabia announced plans to allow one million pilgrims to perform this year’s Hajj, marking a major expansion after two years of strict coronavirus-related restrictions.

The decision represents a significant step toward restoring the world’s largest annual Muslim gathering, which saw dramatically reduced participation during the pandemic. In 2019, around 2.5 million pilgrims attended Hajj, but the numbers dropped sharply after COVID-19 emerged in 2020.

Saudi authorities permitted only a limited number of pilgrims during the previous two years, with just 1,000 people allowed in 2020 and around 60,000 fully vaccinated residents selected through a lottery in 2021.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, this year’s pilgrimage will include both domestic and international pilgrims, although health precautions will remain in place. Participants must be vaccinated Muslims under the age of 65, while international pilgrims will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.

The Saudi government said the measures aim to balance public health protection with allowing more Muslims worldwide to fulfill one of Islam’s most important religious obligations.

The announcement has been welcomed by Muslims who have been unable to travel to Makkah since the pandemic began. Many expressed happiness over the return of larger gatherings, although some raised concerns about age restrictions, travel expenses, and the possibility of last-minute disruptions due to COVID-related requirements.

Hajj, which takes place in Islam’s holiest city of Makkah and surrounding areas, involves a series of religious rituals performed over five days. The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially capable.

Beyond its religious importance, Hajj also holds major economic and strategic significance for Saudi Arabia. Managing the pilgrimage is closely linked to the kingdom’s role as custodian of Islam’s holiest sites, while millions of visitors traditionally contribute billions of dollars to the Saudi economy.

The latest announcement follows Saudi Arabia’s gradual relaxation of pandemic restrictions, including the removal of several COVID-related measures, paving the way for a larger and more traditional Hajj experience this year.