Saudi Arabia limits pilgrims to 1,000 in Hajj 2020

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made a major announcement today to allow only 1,000 citizens and residents who are already in the Kingdom to perform Hajj this year. 

Who will perform Hajj?

Only a limited number of pilgrims from each nationality will be allowed to perform Hajj this year. It is worth noting that residents and citizens are allowed to perform Hajj only once every 5 years.

1-Pilgrims will be tested before performing Hajj and will have to quarantine after they finish.

2-Only residents and citizens under 65 years will be allowed to perform Hajj this year.

3-People with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart patients will not be allowed to perform Hajj.

4-The health status of every pilgrim will be monitored on a daily basis.

5-Hajj will be performed in small smaller groups to enforce social distancing.

6-The numbers of Hajj pilgrims this year will be less than 1,000.

7-No International Pilgrims.

8-Special Hospital in Makkah to deal with emergencies.

How to apply for Hajj?

The Ministry of Hajj has not announced the procedure to apply for Hajj for this year. However, last year it was applied through this link.

The Cost of Hajj

Considering the additional precautionary measures Hajj agents have to take to protect local pilgrims, the cost of Hajj is expected to go higher than last year.

Last year, the cost of a medium level hajj package was around SR 7,000. In my personal opinion, the minimum cost would be around SR 10,000.

More than 2.5 million people performed Hajj last year from all around the world. Recommended: How many times Hajj is suspended in history?

Statement by the Ministry of Hajj

In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah said and in light of the continuation of the coronavirus pandemic and the risks of infections spreading in crowded spaces and large gatherings, it has been decided that Haj for this year (1441 H/ 2020 AD) will be held whereby a very limited number of pilgrims from various nationalities who already reside in Saudi Arabia, would be able to perform it.

#عاجل #وزارة_الحج: تقرر إقامة حج هذا العام 1441هـ بأعداد محدودة جدًا للراغبين في أداء مناسك الحج لمختلف الجنسيات من الموجودين داخل المملكة. https://t.co/gjDKCHFtYw#واس_عام

— واس العام (@SPAregions) June 22, 2020