Saudi Arabia has made it clear that it will allow only those people to attend the haj this year who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).According to Saudi newspaper Okaz, vaccination is "one of the main conditions" to receive a permit to come. In 2020, the kingdom dramatically reduced the number of pilgrims to around 1,000 to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, after barring Muslims abroad from the rite for the first time in modern times.
The government of India too has released a list of protocols to be followed this year for the haj yatra based on the final guidelines from Saudi Arabia. Lakhs of Muslims from several countries visit Mecca to perform Hajj every year. Mecca is considered the holiest city for Muslims. As per the Islam, Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place annually in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. Meanwhile, the India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs on its website said that the process for Haj 2021 will be announced after receiving instructions from Saudi Ministry of Haj & Umrah.