Hajj 2024
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently issued a significant advisory to prospective Hajj pilgrims, warning them against engaging with unauthorized Hajj operators and fraudulent websites.
In a bid to secure the safety and authenticity of the pilgrimage experience, the ministry is urging all pilgrims to adhere strictly to official channels for arranging their Hajj plans.
The warning was disseminated through the ministry’s account on the “X” social media platform, where it directed pilgrims to use its endorsed website, LOCALHAJ.HAJ.GOV.SA, and the “Nesk” mobile application.
These platforms are designated for domestic pilgrims to safely and reliably manage their pilgrimage arrangements. Additionally, the “Nusuk-Hajj” platform serves international pilgrims from Europe, the Americas, Australia, and selected countries in Asia and Africa, as well as official Hajj missions and companies.
These platforms are part of the ministry’s effort to streamline the pilgrimage process and ensure that all engagements are secure and meet the regulatory standards set by the Saudi authorities.
This cautionary announcement aligns with other recent directives from the ministry, which include detailed health requirements for the 2024 Hajj.
As outlined, all pilgrims residing within the Kingdom are required to have specific vaccinations documented in the “Sehaty” application.
These mandatory vaccinations include one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, a 2024-dated dose of the influenza vaccine, and a dose of the meningitis vaccine, which should have been administered within the last five years.
For international pilgrims, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah mandates the Neisseria meningitis vaccine, which must be administered at least 10 days but not more than five years prior to entering Saudi Arabia.
The specific timing of the vaccination, the type of vaccine, and the exact date of administration must be validated by health authorities in the pilgrim’s home country and detailed on an official vaccination certificate.
Furthermore, it is compulsory for all pilgrims to receive at least one dose of either the bivalent oral polio vaccine or the inactivated polio vaccine.
This comprehensive vaccination protocol underscores the Saudi government’s commitment to maintaining public health and ensuring the safety of all participants during the pilgrimage.
By emphasizing the necessity of dealing only with recognized and officially approved channels, the ministry aims to protect pilgrims from potential scams and ensure that they have a legitimate and fulfilling Hajj experience.
The guidelines set forth are intended to safeguard the rights of pilgrims and facilitate a smooth and spiritually rewarding Hajj, free from the complications of unauthorized intermediaries and misleading information.
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