RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, April 27: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a stern warning to prospective Hajj pilgrims, urging them to remain vigilant against unauthorized Hajj operators and fraudulent websites. Emphasizing the paramount importance of utilizing officially approved channels for arranging pilgrimage plans, the ministry underscores the significance of safeguarding pilgrim rights and ensuring a genuine opportunity to perform Hajj.
In a recent update shared on their official platform account, the ministry highlighted its endorsed platforms, including the official website LOCALHAJ.HAJ.GOV.SA and the “Nesk” app designed for domestic pilgrims, as the primary avenues for arranging Hajj. Furthermore, the “Nusk-Hajj” platform caters to pilgrims from Europe, the Americas, Australia, and select Asian and African countries, in addition to official Hajj missions and accredited companies.
This cautionary advisory comes in the wake of the ministry’s recent announcement outlining specific health requirements for this year’s Hajj pilgrims. According to the Ministry’s directives, all pilgrims within the Kingdom must have specific vaccinations recorded in the “Sehaty” application, including one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, one dose of the influenza vaccine for 2024, and one dose of the meningitis vaccine administered within the last five years.
For international pilgrims, the ministry mandates the Neisseria meningitis vaccine, with administration occurring no less than 10 days and no more than five years before arriving in Saudi Arabia. It is imperative that the pilgrim’s home country health authorities confirm the vaccination timing, detailing the vaccine type and date on the vaccination certificate. Additionally, all pilgrims are required to receive at least one dose of either the bivalent oral polio vaccine or inactivated polio vaccine.
As the Hajj season approaches, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims, urging adherence to official guidelines and protocols to facilitate a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
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