COVID-19: Overseas pilgrims to attend Haj in Saudi Arabia this year - reports
Last year’s pilgrimage was performed by limited number of Muslims residing in the kingdom
Cairo: Muslim pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia will be allowed to attend this year’s Haj, according to a Saudi newspaper.
The Haj season will include pilgrims from abroad, but according to strict precautionary steps and preventive measures to protect the people from COVID-19, Al Watan newspaper reported without details.
Earlier this month, the kingdom said it intends to organize this year’s Haj, which is due in July, in line with health, security and organization controls to protect pilgrims’ health amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
The Ministry of the Haj and Umrah said related regulations and executive plans will be announced later.
All options considered
The ministry’s Undersecretary Hesham Saeed previously said that Saudi Arabia is considering all options for this year’s Haj including the possibility of allowing a “symbolic” number of pilgrims from abroad.
Last year’s Haj was performed by a limited number of Saudis and foreign Muslims residing in Saudi Arabia to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Haj is one of Islam’s five pillars. Muslims are expected to perform it at least once in their lives if they can afford it and are physically able.