The 2022 Hajj Opens, But There Are Two Conditions For Congregants From The Saudi Arabian Government

Director General of Hajj and Umrah Organizers of the Ministry of Religion Hilman Latief. (ANTARA/HO-Kemenag)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion asked the association of Umrah Travel Organizers (PPIU) and Special Hajj Organizers (PIHK) to participate in socializing the latest policy from the Saudi Arabian Government regarding the requirements for Hajj 1443 Hijri / 2022 AD.

"I ask for help from the PPIU or PIHK to be able to disseminate information to pilgrims," said Director General of Hajj and Umrah Organizers at the Ministry of Religion Hilman Latief in a written statement received in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Monday, April 11.

Previously, Saudi Arabia had announced that the Hajj 1443 Hijri/2022 AD would be attended by one million pilgrims from various countries.

Although it was opened to foreign pilgrims, Saudi Arabia asked for two conditions. First, the congregation must be a maximum of 65 years old and have received a complete COVID-19 vaccination approved by the Saudi Ministry of Health.

Second, pilgrims who come from outside are required to submit a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 which is carried out within 72 hours before departure to Saudi Arabia.

According to him, it is related to the conditions for the elderly congregation that must be socialized by special Hajj organizers to their congregations. They were asked to provide education that there were pilgrims who had to be ready to leave and were not entitled to leave.

Hilman admitted that initially he had prepared a scenario by prioritizing the elderly congregation. However, Saudi Arabia's policy dictates a maximum of 65 years.

"I also discussed the Minister for the elderly what the scenario would be. It seems that after the announcement appeared, this year's hajj was shown that the maximum age is 65 years," he said.

While regarding the quota, the Ministry of Religion is still waiting for an official announcement from Saudi Arabia. However, the government is ready to send whatever quota will be given later.

"Build a narrative to encourage our congregations who, God willing, will depart this year. We must also encourage those who depart next year," he said.