The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has enforced a stringent new health advisory for the upcoming Hajj season, disqualifying individuals suffering from serious or chronic medical conditions from undertaking the pilgrimage.
The new regulations aim to ensure the safety of pilgrims by restricting travel for those with high-risk health profiles.
According to the advisory, patients battling advanced-stage cancer, severe cardiac issues, or congestive heart failure will not be permitted to travel.
The restrictions also extend to individuals requiring dialysis for kidney failure, those with end-stage liver disease, and patients suffering from chronic respiratory or acute lung conditions.
Furthermore, the Ministry has prohibited travel for pilgrims with severe neurological disorders and pregnant women who are beyond their 26th week of pregnancy.
To maintain the integrity of the process, the Ministry issued a stern warning that any individual found submitting fraudulent medical certificates would face rigorous legal consequences.
Beyond the health restrictions, all departing pilgrims are now mandated to receive vaccinations against meningitis, influenza, and polio.
Officials emphasized that these measures align with Saudi health protocols and warned that any violation of these international travel laws would result in strict disciplinary action.
Pilgrims are urged to prioritize their health status and strictly adhere to the updated guidelines to avoid complications during the journey.
