Saudi Arabian Government Opens Hajj For Overseas Citizens, Minister Of Religion Yaqut Cholil: The News Indonesian Congregations Have Been Waiting For

JAKARTA - The Saudi Arabian government has re-opened Hajj services in 2022 for pilgrims from abroad. According to a statement from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, the door of service will be opened to one million people with certain conditions.

This news was welcomed by the Minister of Religion, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. He said Indonesian pilgrims could depart this year.

"Thank God, Indonesian pilgrims can leave this year. This is the news that pilgrims in the country have been waiting for," said the Minister of Religion in an official statement quoted by Antara, Saturday, April 9.

"I would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for giving this year the opportunity for Indonesian pilgrims to fulfill their call for Hajj," he continued.

However, it is not yet known how much quota each country will receive. However, the Indonesian Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) is ready to optimize it.

"We will optimize whatever quota is later given to Indonesia. In fact, if possible we will try to get Indonesia to get additional, for example from quotas from other countries that are not absorbed," he said.

While waiting for an announcement from Saudi Arabia regarding the quota for Hajj pilgrims for Indonesia, the Ministry of Religion will also finalize preparations for the implementation of Hajj services.

"We are ready and will make the best possible preparations to ensure the congregation is well served," said Minister of Religion Yaqut.

Previously, it was reported that the Government of Saudi Arabia opened Hajj services for one million people during the hajj season in 1443 Hijri/2022 AD after two years of implementing strict restrictions to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

According to a statement from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah published by the official Saudi Press Agency, pilgrims wishing to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca this year must be under 65 years of age and have received full COVID-19 vaccinations.

Pilgrims from abroad this year are allowed to perform the pilgrimage on condition that they have received full vaccination, show a negative result of the RT-PCR test, and apply the protocol to prevent transmission of COVID-19.