Ministry of Islamic Affairs has revealed the Maldives has received 453 quotas for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi government has announced that one million people will be allowed in the country to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year, following the removal of COVID-19 restrictions. This is less than half of the 2.5 million people that were previously allowed to enter Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to the limits placed by the Saudi government, the Maldives has also received fewer Hajj quotas than before. Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali had earlier revealed the Maldives will be receiving about 45% fewer quotas for Hajj this year.
As per the announcement of the Saudi government, only individuals below the age of 65 who have completed the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year. Pilgrims entering the country are also required to present a negative PCR test upon arrival.
This year’s Hajj pilgrimage will begin on July 7.