Sound health will be the main criterion for allowing people to perform Hajj this year so as to ensure pilgrims’ safety, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said on Monday (July 6).

Of the total 10,000 pilgrims, 70 percent will be non-Saudis residing in the Kingdom, while the remaining 30 percent will be citizens, the ministry added.

Priority will be given to people who do not suffer from any chronic disease. They will have to undergo a polymerase chain reaction test to ensure they do not have COVID-19.

People who have not performed Hajj before and are aged 20-50 will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage. They will have to commit to a 14-day quarantine both before and after performing Hajj.

Non-Saudi residents who meet the requirements can register at localhaj.haj.gov.sa. Registration began on Monday and will continue until July 10.  

The ministry said an exceptional plan has been prepared for this year, and applying for Hajj via its website will be treated as an initial submission.

Final registration will be considered only after issuance of the final approval, and after ensuring that the applicant has met all the health and regulatory standards. The result of the application will be sent via text message.

Applicants have to declare that they do not have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or respiratory diseases and that they are not infected with COVID-19 or show any symptoms.

Source: Arab News

BDST: 1340 HRS, JULY 7, 2020
AP