New regulations, Hajj quota for Bahrain

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will allow 2,094 people from Bahrain to perform Hajj this year. Those aged 65 and over will not receive permits.

Bahraini pilgrims should perform Hajj through 59 licenced operators. In total, Saudi Arabia will allow 8,50,000 foreign pilgrims to perform Hajj this year while restricting the number of domestic pilgrims to 1,50,000.

In 2021 the capacity was limited to 60,000 citizens and residents who received the COVID-19 vaccine. The new regulations for this Hajj season make it mandatory for at least five operators to merge.

Only one operator will be in charge of their collective Hajj trip, both in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Bahrain Hajj Mission Chairman Shaikh Adnan bin Abdulla Al Qattan urged operators to comply with the directives of the High Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to ensure the success of this exceptional pilgrimage season.

He was chairing the annual forum held remotely with operators to discuss the new mandatory regulations this year. The regulation aims to improve services and maintain the cost of Hajj this year in light of the reduction in numbers.

The deadline for completing the Hajj procedures is May 16. Departure to Saudi Arabia will be on Dhu al-Hijjah 4, 1443 AH, while return to Bahrain will be on Dhu al-Hijjah 14.