Saudi Arabia decided that Hajj for this year (1441 H/ 2020 AD) will be held and a very limited number of pilgrims from various nationalities who already reside in Saudi Arabia, would be able to perform it.
The decision is taken to ensure Hajj is performed safely from a public health perspective while taking all protective measures and the necessary social distancing protocols to protect pilgrims from the risks linked with the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Saudi government said it is honored to serve millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually and confirmed that this decision stems from the top priority it accords maintaining the safety of pilgrims on its land until they depart to their home countries.
"We ask Allah the Almighty to protect all countries from this pandemic and keep all humans protected and safe," it added.