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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia Begins Receiving Applications for Hajj Pilgrimage

A handout picture provided by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on October 4, 2020, shows Saudis and foreign residents circumambulating the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque complex in Makkah. (AFP)

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah began on Sunday receiving requests for would-be pilgrims for this year’s holy Hajj.

Applications must be submitted online through the dedicated portal.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced Saturday that a total of 60,000 pilgrims will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Per the decision, those who are between the ages of 18-65 and are fully vaccinated, have received their first dose at least 14 days prior, or those who are vaccinated and have recovered from a COVID-19 infection are allowed to register.

The online portal was opened on Sunday and will close at 10:00 pm on Wednesday.

No priority will be given for early registration, clarified the ministry.

Reservations and the purchase of packages will begin at 1:00 pm on June 18.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed that the Saudi government is constantly keen on ensuring the safety and health of the pilgrims.

This is at the top of its priorities in line with Islamic Sharia law that safeguards human life, it added.

The government is dedicated to providing the pilgrims with all necessary services to facilitate their holy journey.

Over 150 million pilgrims have performed the holy rituals in the past ten years.

This year’s Hajj is set to begin in mid-July.

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