The Commander of Hajj Security announced that the number of pilgrims this year has been determined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the precautionary measures taken. He explained in a press conference that no one will be permitted to enter the holy sites without a permit, noting that there will be permits issued by the Interior Ministry for workers in the holy sites area. He also confirmed that all pilgrims will be received through only four entrances, pointing out that the system will be enforced against violators or infiltrators in the holy sites area. He stated that all relevant parties in Hajj security have completed all preparations.
For his part, the Assistant Commander of Hajj Security for traffic indicated that the relevant agencies will "ensure a security cordon around the holy sites." The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced last month that the registration for those wishing to perform Hajj for the year 1442 AH would be limited to citizens and residents within Saudi Arabia only, with a total of 60,000 pilgrims, in light of the ongoing developments of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of new variants. The ministry stressed the necessity for those wishing to perform Hajj to be free from chronic diseases and to be among the age groups of 18 to 65 who have received the vaccine, in accordance with the regulations and mechanisms followed in the Kingdom for the vaccination categories.
It was also decided to restrict registration for those wishing to perform Hajj in the year 1442 AH to citizens and residents within the Kingdom only, through the electronic pathway for pilgrims that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will launch, while adhering to the organizational regulations, health standards, and security requirements at all stages of performing the pilgrimage.
