Saudi Arabia imposes new strict regulations on the selection of Hajj pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has enforced strict restrictions barring seriously ill individuals from participating in next year’s Hajj. Those suffering from cancer, heart disease, kidney complications, severe lung and liver conditions, infectious diseases and other major health issues have been completely prohibited from performing Hajj. Additionally, stringent measures have been imposed regarding the participation of critically ill pilgrims.

According to a report published on Monday (17 November) by the media outlet The News International, these restrictions are now in effect.

The report further states that if severely ill pilgrims attempt to perform Hajj and require repatriation, they will be sent back to their home country, with the travel costs to be borne by the pilgrim concerned.

As per the directives of the Saudi Ministry of Health, individuals with kidney disease or undergoing dialysis, patients with limited physical capacity due to heart disease, those suffering from severe neurological or mental illnesses, memory loss, dementia or major disabilities will not be permitted to perform Hajj.

Additionally, persons affected by Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, whooping cough, tuberculosis, viral haemorrhagic fever, as well as pregnant women, are also prohibited. The same restriction applies to cancer patients.

The country’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has stated that action will be taken against doctors who issue fitness certificates for unfit pilgrims. Moreover, the Saudi monitoring team will verify the fitness certificates of all pilgrims.

Khaborwala/TSN