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Rabat – Saudi Arabia has signed a series of agreements with several countries, including Morocco as part of the Gulf country’s preparations for the 2023 Hajj season.
The signed agreements are part of the Saudi measures to improve the pilgrim’s experience during their pilgrimage to Hajj, Umrah, and general visits.
The agreements cover the allocation of Hajj quota, airport arrivals, and departures, as well as organizational guidelines.
The signing of the agreements took place on the sidelines of the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition (Expo Hajj 2023) held in Jeddah this week.
The exhibition brought together over 57 countries and more than 70 experts and speakers to exchange ideas, innovations, and experiences to facilitate the 2023 Hajj season for pilgrims.
The signing of the agreements came a few days after Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that all COVID-related restrictions imposed on pilgrims will be lifted this year.
“The number of pilgrims will return to what it was before the pandemic without any age restrictions,” the Saudi Ministry of Umrah and Hajj said.
The Gulf country previously imposed age restrictions to protect vulnerable pilgrims over the age of 65 years from performing Hajj rituals during the pandemic.
Due to the pandemic, the country set up a specified number of pilgrims who are allowed to perform Hajj, with several conditions and restrictions.
Only pilgrims who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 were able to perform Hajj.
Saudi Arabia however, removed COVID restrictions on pilgrim candidates, including mandatory proof of vaccination and PCR.
Saudi Arabia traditionally received 2.5 million pilgrims prior to the outbreak of COVID-19.
In this 2023 season, priority will be given to pilgrims who have not performed Hajj rituals before.
