The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced an update for individuals planning to perform Haj in the upcoming year.
According to the ministry’s statement on X (formerly Twitter), the requirement for a coronavirus vaccine certificate has been abolished for Haj pilgrims. Hence, individuals planning to perform Haj in 2024 are not required to submit their COVID-19 vaccination certificates.
حج 2024 کیلئے #کرونا #ویکسین کی شرط ختم، #عازمین #حج کو کرونا سرٹیفکیٹ جمع کرانے کی ضرورت نہیں #Hajj #COVID19 #hajj2024
— Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony (@MORAisbOfficial) December 4, 2023
The announcement provides clarity for prospective pilgrims and aligns with the evolving circumstances surrounding the global pandemic.
Also Read: Pakistan’s Hajj Expenses for thia Year Revealed
The Saudi authorities had previously lifted major restrictions for the Haj pilgrimage in June of the current year, allowing the pilgrimage to operate at its maximum capacity for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The move facilitated the gathering of around 2 million people at Islam’s holiest site to fulfill the religious obligation. The recent announcement by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan reflects the ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing dynamics of the pandemic and streamline the process for Haj applicants.
In addition to the update on vaccination requirements, the Ministry of Religious Affairs opened the registration for Haj 2024 under the government scheme on November 27. The registration process is scheduled to continue until December 12. The spokesperson for the ministry stated that approximately 89,605 Pakistanis will perform Haj under the government scheme in the coming year. Notably, women will have the opportunity to undertake the sacred journey without the traditional requirement of a male companion. The sponsorship scheme will allocate 25,000 seats on a first-come, first-served basis. The ministry’s efforts aim to facilitate a smooth and accessible process for individuals intending to participate in the Haj pilgrimage.
