People suffering from certain chronic or contagious illnesses will not be allowed to undertake a pilgrimage.
The Holy Kabah. PHOTO: REUTERS
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have officially signed an agreement regarding arrangements and facilities for the upcoming Hajj, Radio Pakistan reported.
Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdulfattah Bin Sulaiman Mashat and Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Pakistan Dr. Syed Ata-ur-Rehman signed the agreement in Jeddah.
Dr. Syed Ata-ur-Rehman expressed his gratitude for the excellent efforts of the Saudi government in welcoming and providing facilities to Allah’s guests. He said that like last year, Pakistani pilgrims will benefit from high quality services this year.
The Secretary further expressed the determination of the Ministry of Religious Affairs to finalize arrangements for government and private Hajj programs in a timely and efficient manner, in accordance with the directives of the Saudi government.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have officially signed an agreement regarding the modalities and facilities of Hajj 2026. Photo: Radio Pakistan
Saudi Arabia imposes health conditions on Hajj 2026 pilgrims
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced the medical eligibility requirements for Pakistani pilgrims intending to perform Hajj in 2026, in line with the Saudi government’s health guidelines.
According to the ministry, people suffering from certain chronic or contagious illnesses will not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage. The decision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s preventive health measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
The ministry clarified that people suffering from severe heart disease, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, advanced cancer, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are not eligible for the 2026 Hajj.
Additionally, people diagnosed with infectious or contagious diseases such as open pulmonary tuberculosis or viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) will also be prohibited from traveling.
The ministry urged applicants to undergo comprehensive medical examinations and provide accurate information about their health to avoid complications during the selection process.
In its advisory, the ministry stressed that health certificates will be mandatory and any false declaration regarding medical condition could lead to disqualification.
Ministry of Religious Affairs Pakistan/
