Hajj health rules tightened amid strict Saudi mandates

Stricter medical checks for Pakistani pilgrims; dialysis and severe cases face travel ban

ISLAMABAD:

The Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a new health policy for Hajj pilgrims in line with the conditions set by the Saudi government, imposing restrictions on individuals suffering from various medical conditions.

According to a statement from the ministry, the health guidelines have been prepared to comply with Saudi Arabia's requirements.

The policy specifies that individuals undergoing dialysis will be barred from performing Hajj this year.

Similarly, those who have experienced heart attacks or suffer from severe breathing issues will also be restricted from travelling.

Additionally, patients dependent on artificial respiration or those suffering from severe lung diseases will be prohibited from Hajj. Individuals at risk of liver failure, as well as those with serious neurological and psychological disorders, are also included in the restricted category.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs further clarified that conditions such as abdominal fluid retention and gastrointestinal bleeding are part of the list. Those with physical disabilities that hinder movement will not be allowed to perform Hajj.

The updated policy has tightened health requirements for pilgrims. Individuals with memory loss or dementia will be restricted, and pregnant women in their seventh month will not be permitted to travel. Moreover, those with contagious diseases are also barred from the pilgrimage.

The policy adds that patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis or cancer are not eligible for Hajj. Those diagnosed with influenza, dengue, or COVID-19 will be restricted as well.

In addition, the ministry has made it mandatory for pilgrims to present vaccination certificates for meningitis, influenza, Covid-19, and polio.

Instalments for Hajj

Meanwhile, in a move set to benefit low-income and middle-class citizens, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has proposed a plan to collect Hajj expenses in instalments.

According to insiders, the proposal to pay the Hajj fee in instalments has been submitted to the federal cabinet for approval. The suggestion has been incorporated into the Hajj policy prepared by the ministry.

Under the proposed plan, pilgrims would pay a total of Rs1.1 million in three instalments. Sources said that individuals wishing to perform Hajj could apply by paying an initial amount of 200,000 rupees.

If selected through the draw, applicants would be required to deposit an additional 400,000 rupees, according to the proposal. The remaining balance would need to be paid before the pilgrimage departure, sources added.