Pakistan allocated second-highest Hajj quota of over 81,000 pilgrims

ISLAMABAD – Saudi Arabia has allotted second-highest quota of Hajj pilgrims to Pakistan after Kingdom allowed one million people to perform the holy pilgrimage this year, according to the state broadcaster.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony will start receiving Hajj applications shortly through designated bank branches, the Radio Pakistan reported.

Meanwhile, Hajj Policy 2022 is yet to be announced in which Hajj expenses, age limit, vaccines, and other terms and conditions will be revealed. Applications submitted in the shape of individuals or groups would be decided by the balloting.

The Hajj quota will reportedly be distributed to a ratio of 60:40 – 60 percent allocation for government pilgrims and 40 percent for travel agents.

Last month, Saudi Arabia revoked most Covid-19 induced restrictions including social distancing in public spaces and quarantine for vaccinated arrivals. Kingdom also raised the number of Hajj pilgrims to 1 million.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia said Hajj is open to those under 65 years of age who have received approved COVID-19 vaccines.

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However, pilgrims coming from foreign countries will be required to submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours from the time of departure, it mentioned, while urging visitors to comply with the health measures.

In the year 2019, Saudi Arabia limited the Hajj to domestic pilgrims in wake of Covid pandemic. Only 60,000 pilgrims performed Hajj last year compared to around 2.5 million in 2019.