ISLAMABAD: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a health advisory for Hajj 2025, outlining requirements for prospective pilgrims, with emphasis on the exclusion of individuals suffering from complex medical problems.
Spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, Muhammad Umar Butt on Thursday said the individuals with acute illnesses will not be allowed to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. He added this measure is in response to the anticipated extreme weather conditions during the Hajj season, and it is to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
The spokesperson further said that those suffering from serious heart, lung, kidney, liver diseases and cancer would not be permitted to participate in Hajj. Additionally, he said individuals suffering from dementia or contagious diseases such as whooping cough, tuberculosis, and other similar diseases will also be barred from the pilgrimage.
He said that under the advisory children under 12 years of age and pregnant women will not be permitted to perform Hajj.
Furthermore, Umar said it is compulsory for all pilgrims to be vaccinated against meningitis, seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and polio, as part of the health protocols.
He made it clear that only those who were in good health and physically capable of enduring the rigors of the pilgrimage were allowed to undertake the holy journey.
