Saudi Arabia has announced a ban on arrivals from abroad in the lead-up to this year’s Hajj.
Officials in Riyadh have announced that because of the spread of the novel coronavirus disease only Saudi citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia will be allowed to attend the 2020 Hajj.
A statement from the ministry which oversees pilgrimages said strict social distancing measures will also be enforced.
The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage by Muslims across the world to Mecca, regarded by many believers as the holiest city in the world.
This year’s pilgrimage will take place begin from late July to early August and will last for six days.
Strict limits on numbers
For the first time in the modern era, the number of pilgrims allowed to attend the Hajj has been limited to 1,000.
Hajj Minister Mohammed Benten said the decision is geared towards preventing the further spread of the novel coronavirus.
In previous years, over 2.5 million pilgrims from around the world flocked the cities of Mecca and Medina to mark the week-long ritual.
However, with the closure of borders in Saudi Arabia, no one from abroad will be able to attend the 2020 Hajj.
“This decision is taken to ensure Hajj is performed in a safe manner from a public health perspective while observing all preventative measures and the necessary social distancing protocols to protect human beings from the risks associated with this pandemic and in accordance with the teachings of Islam in preserving the lives of human beings,” Benten said.
International passenger flights off
The Gulf country is one of those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 23 June, it had recorded 164,144 infections and 1,346 deaths.
The number of infections has surged over the past two weeks.
In March, the county halted international passenger flights and suspended international arrivals for umrah pilgrimages.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to enable all Muslims of different nationalities to perform Hajj but the global health circumstances this year led us to make this Hajj an exception,” Benten said.
“Everyone knows the risks of this virus and knows that all countries are closed now and until Hajj time, and therefore there will be risks to transfer pilgrims across countries.”
People over the age of 65 will also be barred.
E A Alanore
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