Two informed Saudi sources stated that Saudi Arabia is contemplating a second consecutive year of restricting foreign entrants from participating in Hajj due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over the emergence of new variants. The sources added that a final decision on the matter has not yet been made.
Before the pandemic imposed global social distancing measures, the number of pilgrims yearly exceeded 2.5 million, with the kingdom earning around $12 billion. As part of the economic reform plans led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom had hoped to increase the number of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims to 15 million and 5 million, respectively, by 2020, with a target of doubling the number of Umrah pilgrims to 30 million by 2030.
The sources mentioned that authorities have halted previous plans to host international pilgrims and will permit only local pilgrims who have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 at least six months prior to Hajj. One of the sources also indicated that age restrictions for participants will be implemented as well.
