JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia decided to raise the number of Hajj pilgrims for this year to one million from inside and outside the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that it has authorized one million pilgrims, both foreign and domestic, to perform Hajj this year 1443H/2022. The ministry said that the Kingdom is keen on ensuring that the maximum number of Muslims worldwide can perform Hajj and visit the Prophet's Mosque in a safe and spiritual atmosphere. "It is of supreme importance to the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to preserve the safety and security of Hajj pilgrims as well as visitors to the Prophet's Mosque." The number of pilgrims coming from specific countries for this year's Hajj will be in accordance with the quotas allocated to each country and in consideration of compliance with all health recommendations. The ministry has clarified that this year's Hajj will be conducted according to the following regulations: 1. This year's Hajj is open to those who are under 65 years old and have received approved COVID-19 vaccinations by the Saudi Ministry of Health. 2. Pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom are required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test result performed within 72 hours of the time of departure to the Kingdom. The ministry has instructed that all pilgrims must follow the health instructions and comply with all precautionary measures to preserve their health and safety while performing the Hajj rituals.
