Saudi Arabia increases Hajj quota - MoHU

The numbers attending the annual event were severely reduced in the previous two years to combat the coronavirus pandemic

A million pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj in 2022, says Saudi authorities, Qazet.az reports.

Pilgrims will need to be under the age of 65 and must have had COVID-19 vaccinations approved by the Kingdom’s health ministry and also all pilgrims will need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the time of departure.

The decision seeks to allow the largest number of pilgrims to take part in the Hajj, while preserving the health gains achieved by the Kingdom in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ministry said.

The increase will be according to the quotas allocated to countries, taking into account health recommendations.

Last year, 58,745 pilgrims performed Hajj, according to officials.