Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – One million pilgrims will be allowed to perform hajj in 2022, according to Saudi authorities, Arab News reported.

During the last two years, the number of pilgrims attending the annual ritual event declined due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pilgrims will need to be under the age of 65 and must have had COVID-19 vaccinations approved by the Kingdom’s Health Ministry.

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.

According to official data, 58,745 pilgrims performed the fifth pillar of Islam last year.

Before the pandemic, the number of pilgrims often exceeded two million people.

Source: Arab News

Reporting by Indonesia Window