MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that full immunization with one of the approved COVID19- vaccines is still required for those planning to perform Hajj this year.
The confirmation comes less than 24 hours after the Saudi authorities announced the lifting of various COVID-19 preventative measures, including the requirement to wear face masks in closed places.
The ministry reaffirmed that all those intending to perform Hajj this year must have completed their immunization program with one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved by the Public Health Authority.
This vaccine requirement is listed on the electronic registration portal for this year’s Hajj, which will accommodate 1 million pilgrims.
Sri Lankan Consul General in Jeddah Falah Mowlana told Colombo Times that the vaccination is a ‘MUST’.for all Sri Lankan pilgrims and they should bring the proper document to prove that they have taken all three doses of the Covid vaccines.
Mowlana also said that those who are above 65 years of age are also prohibited from this year’s Hajj and it is preferred that pilgrims do not bring in children under five years of age.
The Consul General said that he and the Riyadh-based Sri Lankan ambassador Packeer Amsa met the concerned organizers of the Hajj in Makkah and Arafat to finalize their accommodation during their stay in these two places.
‘Upon opening registration for this year’s Hajj,Mowlana said the ministry of Hajj, stressed that priority would be given to those who have not previously performed the rituals. The ministry added that those who are not fully immunized, as per their status on the Tawakkalna application, would be denied a Hajj permit.
