Saudi Arabia’s government has banned Nigerians and others from undertaking the Hajj in 2021, citing concerns over the spread of COVID19.

The Saudi Arabia Hajj ministry announced in a statement that only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens will be allowed to perform the 2019 hajj.

”In the light of what the world is witnessing with the continuing developments of the pandemic COVID19 and the emergence of new variations, Hajj 1442 will be limited to the residents and citizens from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ONLY – (60,000).

The Total Number of pilgrims this year is limited to ONLY 60,000 people, for residents of all nationalities and citizens inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The health status of those wishing to register for Hajj 1442 must be from the following categories: a vaccinated person, a vaccinated person who has completed one dose and spent 14 days, or a vaccinated person recovering from infection.” the statement in part reads.