After two years of restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia said Saturday that the number of Hajj pilgrims from within and outside the country will increase to 1 million in 2022.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Hajj is open to those under the age of 65 who have received certified COVID-19 immunizations from the Saudi Ministry of Health.
Pilgrims from other countries would be needed to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their departure, according to the statement, which also urged visitors to follow the health precautions. Due to the pandemic, Saudi Arabia has confined the Hajj to local pilgrims for the previous two years Hajj was done by 60,000 pilgrims in total last year compared to around 2.5 million in 2019.
The pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site, the Kaaba in the city of Mecca, is one of the five pillars of Islam.
A Muslim is required to perform the Hajj at least once if they have the