Nigerians cannot visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj due to Coronavirus

Nigerians cannot visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj due to Coronavirus

The deadly Coronavirus global pandemic will be responsible as a hindrance for Nigerian Muslims to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj later this year.

Officials in charge of the Hajj, have announced through a statement that the pilgrimage which should begin at the end of July will have only very few Saudi residents in attendance.

The curfew in Mecca has ended recently however traveling for the Hajj is not possible as there is a restriction due to risk on large public gatherings and also the unavailability of vaccines to help cure the deadly Coronavirus.

With this recent development it means that Nigerian Muslims not based in Saudi Arabia will not be able to participate in this year’s Hajj.

The statement said, “This decision is taken to ensure Hajj is performed in a safe manner from a public health perspective while observing all preventative measures and the necessary social distancing protocols to protect human beings from the risks associated with this pandemic and in accordance with the teachings of Islam in preserving the lives of human beings,”

“The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is honored to serve millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually and it confirms 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.”

The full statement said