Saudi Arabia, concerned about the rising number of coronavirus cases in the Kingdom, may severely restrict the number of pilgrims it allows to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage this year. With more than 100 000 confirmed cases, the kingdom is struggling to contain the spread of the virus. The port city of Jeddah was also recently placed under a 15-day lockdown after a spike in infections.

2.5 million pilgrims visit Makkah and Madinah every year for the Hajj. It, and the lesser Umrah pilgrimage, bring to Saudi Arabia revenue of about $12 billion a year. However, with outbreak of the global pandemic, the kingdom was forced to suspended Umrah. Hajj operators were also requested to put plans for the Hajj, which is expected to begin at the end of July, on hold.

The Middle East Eye reports that the kingdom is now considering only permitting ‘symbolic numbers’ to perform the Hajj this year. Additional health checks and restrictions will also be added for those allowed to undertake the pilgrimage, and older pilgrims will be barred. The kingdom might only accept up to 20 percent of each country’s normal permitted quota of pilgrims, with some officials reportedly still pushing for the Hajj to be cancelled.

Saudi Arabia’s finances have already been strained following a plunge in oil prices and loss of revenue due to measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the Kingdom. Whichever option is decided on, a drastically reduced number of Hajj pilgrims, or a total cancellation of this year’s Hajj, is expected to result in further economic strain for the Kingdom.

Umm Muhammed Umar