Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has decided to have a very limited number of pilgrims from different nationalities who already stay in Saudi Arabia would be able to perform Hajj this year (1441 H/ 2020 AD).
The judgment means that international visitors will not be able to make the pilgrimage due to the constraints forced to control the spread of the new coronavirus.
This decision has been taken to ensure that Hajj is conducted in a safe manner from a public health perspective while observing all precautionary measures and the required social distancing protocols to guard pilgrims against the risks associated with this pandemic and in accordance with the teachings of Islam in preserving the lives of human beings, the ministry said in a statement.
Close to two million people annually visit Makkah and Madinah for the annual religious gathering.
Saudi Arabia’s priority is to always to allow Muslim pilgrims to perform Hajj and Umrah rites safely and securely and since the beginning of the pandemic it has taken all necessary precautionary measures to protect pilgrims, including by suspending the entry of Umrah pilgrims while ensuring the safety of the pilgrims already present at the holy sites, the official statement said.
“The Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is honored to serve millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually and it confirms that this decision stems from the top priority it accords to maintain the safety of pilgrims on its land until they depart to their home countries.” Official Statement
