"Possible Without Vaccination" ... 2 Million Expected to Participate in This Year's Saudi Pilgrimage

Muslim pilgrims are circling the shrine 'Kaaba' at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest site in Islam. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Noh Kyung-jo] Saudi Arabia has lifted all COVID-19 related restrictions for participants in this year's regular pilgrimage (Hajj).

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj issued a statement on the 9th (local time), announcing, "This year's Hajj will be conducted without any restrictions on vaccination status, age, or nationality, just as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic."

It added, "Private travel agencies from around the world can also obtain permission and enter into contracts with the Saudi government related to the pilgrimage."

In 2020, when COVID-19 spread, Saudi Arabia banned foreign Muslims from performing the pilgrimage and limited the number of pilgrims to 1,000. The following year, the limit was set to 60,000 residents in Saudi Arabia. Last year, foreign pilgrims were allowed again, and the participant number was eased to 1 million. However, only vaccinated individuals aged 18 to 65 were permitted to participate.

Muslims are required to participate in Hajj at least once in their lifetime if their health and financial circumstances allow. Most Muslims consider Hajj a lifelong aspiration and prepare to participate. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, more than 2.5 million pilgrims gathered in Mecca and Medina.

Local media expect that with this year's lifting of restrictions, the number of pilgrims will exceed 2 million. Hajj is expected to begin on June 26.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.