Saudi Arabia: 2020 Hajj opens to Saudi residents Only

Saudi Arabian government has announced that this year’s Hajj will take place next month but a very limited number of pilgrims will be allowed to take part. It also said pilgrims taking part will be from various nationalities but must already reside in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced this on Monday stating that the decision was taken due to the ongoing threat from the coronavirus pandemic and to also preserve global public health. The ministry said the decision had been made “in light of continuation of the pandemic and the risks of Coronavirus spreading in crowded spaces and large gatherings.”