Ministry of Islamic Affairs Welcomes Saudi Measures to Safeguard Hajj Pilgrims

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has welcomed measures introduced by the Saudi Arabian government to safeguard pilgrims ahead of the Hajj season.

The ministry noted that these annual precautions aim to protect the health of pilgrims and mitigate potential risks associated with the pilgrimage.

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In a statement on the Saudi-issued circular outlining health requirements for Hajj pilgrims, the ministry highlighted that ensuring pilgrims’ health is a crucial step in facilitating a safe Hajj. Saudi authorities have reiterated the importance of awareness and compliance with these measures, as in previous years.

The circular specifies that pilgrims should not suffer from primary organ failure, neurological or mental illnesses, dementia in old age, or be in the last trimester of pregnancy or at risk of delivery at any stage. It also prohibits participation by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or biological therapy, and by individuals with infectious diseases that could pose a public health risk, such as tuberculosis, haemorrhage, or fever.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its efforts to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, which annually attracts millions of visitors from around the world. Discussions are also underway with Saudi authorities to increase the Maldives’ Hajj quota beyond the current 1,000 pilgrims.