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Saudi Arabia has announced that they will accept 1 million pilgrims for this year's Hajj. The Saudi announcement expands the opportunity for pilgrims from abroad to take part in this year's Hajj after strict restrictions due to the Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic were imposed for the past two years.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah explained that the determination of this figure was to ensure that all pilgrims can perform the Hajj in Mecca and its surroundings and make pilgrimages to the Prophet's Mosque in safe and solemn conditions. "It is very important for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to maintain the safety and security of the pilgrims and visitors of the Prophet's Mosque," he explained, quoted from the Saudi Gazette, Saturday (9/4/22).
It also said the number of pilgrims this year would be adjusted according to the quota allocated to each country by taking into account compliance with all health recommendations issued by Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the ministry provides conditions for pilgrims who can perform the pilgrimage this year, which is under 65 years of age, get a Covid-19 vaccine that is approved by the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia, and pilgrims from abroad are required to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR test result which was carried out at least 72 hours before leaving for Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has approved nine Covid-19 vaccines, namely Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covaxin, Sputnik, and Covovax. Foreigners who have received tose said vaccines are allowed to enter Saudi Arabia. The ministry also appealed to all pilgrims to follow the protocol and comply with all precautionary measures to maintain the health and safety of the congregation.