ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday that around one million people will be permitted from inside and outside the country to perform Hajj this year, a report of The Khaleej Times said quoting a statement issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

According to the statement, the Hajj this year is open to those who are “under 65-years-old and have received the main COVID-19 vaccinations approved by the Saudi Ministry of Health.” However, the pilgrims coming from outside are required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR result within 72 hours from the time of departure.

The Saudi government wants to ensure the maximum safety and security of the pilgrims while ensuring that the “maximum number of Muslims worldwide can perform Hajj.” A particular number of pilgrims from each specific country will be allowed to make the pilgrimage based on allocated quotas.