Intending Pilgrims Above 65 Years Won’t Be Allowed Into Saudi Arabia – Board

Katsina pilgrims board has said intending pilgrims above the age of 65 years will not be allowed into Saudi Arabia.

Gatekeepers News reports that the board made this known during the orientation programme for intending pilgrims and Islamic scholars in the state ahead of the 2022 hajj operations.

The board’s executive director, Suleiman Nuhu-Kuki, while speaking at the event, said Saudi Arabia has banned people over 65 years from participating in this year’s hajj.

He noted that intending pilgrims must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

”Saudi Arabia has indicated that people above 65 years must not be allowed to perform Hajj this year and also reminded all intending pilgrims that full COVID-19 vaccination is compulsory,” he said.

“By full vaccination, I mean the three doses and, of course, PCR is mandatory.”

Nuhu-Kuki said the National Hajj commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had fixed N2.5 million as deposit from each intending pilgrim.

According to him, about 2,146 seats had been allocated to the state for this year’s hajj.

He also explained that the increase in Hajj fares was due to the hike in airfare and dollar exchange rates.

Gatekeepers News reports that 43,008 hajj slots were allocated to Nigeria for 2022, with the 36 states and Abuja getting 33,976 seats and private tour operators getting 9,032 seats.

Kaduna got the highest allocation of 2,491 seats, while Abia got six with zero allocation to Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa.