Islamic Ministry says the Maldives would not be able to send any pilgrims to the annual Hajj Pilgrimage this year, as custodian of the holy sites Saudi Arabia continues to implement harsh measures to deter COVID-19.
The Ministry had confirmed that the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that Hajj 1442 (2021) will be limited to residents and citizens of Saudi Arabia.
It also said that according to the Saudi Hajj Ministry, the country would only allow only 60,000 pilgrims to perform Hajj.
A statement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency quoted the kingdom's Hajj and Umrah Ministry making the announcement.
It said this year's hajj, which will begin in mid-July, will be limited to those ages 18 to 65 and added that those taking part must be vaccinated as well.
Last year, Saudi Arabia had orchestrated a well-organized Hajj pilgrimage amid the pandemic, way before any vaccination was available for the fast-spreading disease.
It won high praise from the World Health Bodu WHO and other organization for its rigorous restrictive measures to minimize the spread of the virus including social distancing, disinfecting the holy sites, and ordering pilgrims to wear a mask
