Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman on Sunday welcomed the decision taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to restrict the annual Hajj pilgrimage to its own citizens and residents with a total of 60,000 for the second year amid fears of Covid-19.
The Sultanate expresses its appreciation for the efforts made by the Kingdom in serving and safeguarding the pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the KSA announced on Saturday it will allow 60,000 residents vaccinated against Covid-19 to perform this year’s haj, but Muslims from abroad will be barred for a second straight year.
This year it would be “open for nationals and residents of the kingdom, limited to 60,000 pilgrims”, the haj ministry said, quoted by the official Saudi Press Agency.
The pilgrimage, scheduled to be held in July, would be limited to those who have been vaccinated and are aged 18-65 with no chronic illnesses, it said.
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