Saudi authorities said on April 5 that that only people immunized against Covid-19 will be allowed to perform the year-round Umrah pilgrimage from the start of Ramadan, the holy fasting month for Muslims.
Media reports say the Ministry of hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia noted in a statement that only “immunized people” will be granted permits to perform Umrah as well as prayers in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca.
According to France 24, the Hajj and Umrah Ministry said in a statement that three categories of people would be considered “immunized”: those who have received two doses of the vaccine; those administered a single dose at least 14 days prior; and people who have recovered from the infection.
The ministry also said it would increase the operational capacity of the holy mosque in adherence with COVID-19 measures and restrictions.
Al Jazeera says it was also not clear whether the policy, which comes amid an uptick in coronavirus infections in Saudi Arabia, would be extended to the annual Hajj pilgrimage later this year.
Meanwhile, Reuters, citing Saudi newspaper Okaz, says Saudi Arabia’s health ministry has ruled that only people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to attend the Hajj this year.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory for those willing to come to the Hajj and will be one of the main conditions (for receiving a permit to come),” the report said, citing a circular signed by the health minister.
