Saudi Arabia’s government has announced a ban on individuals with serious illnesses from undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage for 2025, stating that only healthy and fit individuals will be allowed to perform the sacred journey.
In a health advisory issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and shared with Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, the directive emphasizes that extreme weather conditions necessitate this measure. The advisory outlines specific restrictions for individuals with severe health conditions, including those suffering from kidney, heart, lung, liver diseases, or cancer. Additionally, people with dementia, infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, children under the age of 12, and pregnant women are prohibited from traveling.
Furthermore, pilgrims must complete required vaccinations for meningitis, COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and polio to ensure a safe and healthy pilgrimage experience.
