The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday that Saudi Arabia has decided to raise the number of Hajj pilgrims from inside and outside the Kingdom to one million this year.

It has been announced that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has authorized one million pilgrims, both foreign and domestic, to perform Hajj this year 1443H/2022.

The ministry stated that the Kingdom is keen to ensure that a maximum number of Muslims can perform Hajj and visit the Prophet's Mosque in a safe and spiritual environment.

The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques places a high priority on ensuring the safety and security of Hajj pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque.

According to the quotas for each country, the number of pilgrims from specific countries for this year's Hajj will be determined in accordance with all health recommendations.

According to the ministry, the Hajj will be conducted as follows this year:

1. Participants in this year's Hajj must be under 65 years of age and have received approved COVID-19 vaccinations from the Saudi Ministry of Health.

2. Pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom are required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR result within 72 hours of their arrival.

It has been instructed by the ministry that all pilgrims must follow the health instructions and comply with all precautionary measures to preserve their health and safety during the Hajj rituals.