Saudi Arabia bans Hajj for those 65 and older starting in 2022 in new health guidelines

Saudi authorities have issued a directive that anyone beyond the age of 65 will be barred from performing the Hajj pilgrimage in 2022. Furthermore, pilgrims planning to perform Hajj this year should closely adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines and obtain health insurance.

Fatima Usara, the spokesman for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), revealed that the Saudi health ministry required the wearing of face masks in Saudi Arabia during Hajj.

Individuals with significant illnesses such as active cancer or organ damage, as well as those above the age of 65, shall be barred from doing the Hajj. Usara stated that "basic immunization programs must be completed" before visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

These immunizations include Covid-19, yellow fever, and meningitis, and must be administered at least 10 days before arriving in the Kingdom: the certificate should mention the date of immunization.

Officials from the Ministry of Health demanded confirmation that the poliomyelitis vaccine had been administered within the last four weeks and no more than 12 months before arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Passengers from countries where wild polio has been documented would therefore be given a single dose of OPV at the border" (the droplets Nigerians usually receive upon arrival in Saudi Arabia).

The medical team must establish isolation centers at Nigerian clinics as part of the preparations for entry into the Kingdom, in addition to showing a negative Covid-19 test result obtained 72 hours before arrival.