Saudi Arabia set to receive 2m Hajj pilgrims this year

• There will be no restrictions on the number of pilgrims from all over the world
• Individual pilgrims are expected to be able to apply for this year’s Hajj via electronic registration.
• Saudi Arabia will provide the best health and logistics services to all pilgrims

Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is preparing to receive 2 million Muslim pilgrims for this year’s Hajj, after lifting pandemic-induced restrictions, according to a senior government official.

The number includes 41,300 Algerian pilgrims, according to the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al Rabeah during a visit to Algiers.

The official cited Saudi Arabia’s facilities for Muslims wishing to enter the kingdom for Umrah or minor pilgrimage, such as holders of various visas and the issuance of related visas in less than 24 hours.

Regarding pilgrim services, Al Rabeah mentioned SR200 billion projects designed to meet an expected increase in pilgrim numbers, as well as a high-speed rail service connecting the holy cities of Makkah and Medina.

“The ministry and all parties involved in the Hajj and Umrah system are eager to provide the best health and logistics services to all pilgrims in a time and effort-saving manner,” he said.

Saudi Arabia has announced that there will be no restrictions on the number of pilgrims from all over the world for the upcoming Hajj season, reversing earlier restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saudi Arabia has reduced the number of Muslims permitted to perform Hajj in the last two years in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Electronic registration is available

Individual pilgrims from other countries are expected to be able to apply for this year’s Hajj via electronic registration soon, according to Saudi media.

Muslims who are physically and financially capable of performing Hajj must do so at least once in their lifetime.

Saudi Arabia has recently unveiled a set of facilities for Muslims who want to perform umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and visit religious sites throughout the kingdom.

Muslims with various types of entry visas, such as personal, visit, and tourism visas, are permitted to perform Umrah.

Saudi Arabia has recently launched an electronic platform to make Umrah services, such as visits to Makkah and Medina, more accessible.

Saudi authorities have also increased the duration of the Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 days, allowing holders to enter the kingdom via all land, air, and sea routes.

Saudi Arabia has announced that its citizens can now apply to invite friends from other countries to visit the kingdom and perform umrah.

Millions of Muslims who cannot physically or financially afford the Hajj rites travel to Saudi Arabia each year to perform Umrah.

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