Number of Hajj pilgrims shrinks over restrictions, high prices

Saudi Arabia has denied permission for foreign Hajj pilgrims amid the coronavirus pandemic and increased the prices for those performing Hajj pilgrimage 2021, a reason which has decreased the number of those affording the trip to the Arab country, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).

In a bid to prevent spread of the pandemic infection, Saudi Arabia has announced it will admit merely pilgrims from across the country depriving the foreign pilgrims from the annual pilgrimage for the second year.

Following the announcement made by Saudi Arabia the process for online registration of 60,000 pilgrims from across the Arab kingdom began.

While Saudi Arabia preparation to admit 60,000 pilgrims for Hajj 2021, the quorum was not reached; hence, the number will see decrease in comparison with previous years while a great number of foreign pilgrims stand enthusiast to perform the ritual.

A reason for the decrease in number of pilgrims is the healthcare measures which have multiplied the prices due to the changes in accommodation, food and transportation and the usual prices for Hajj 2021.

Pilgrims for Hajj 2021 should register for pilgrimage in one of the following price ranges: 16,560 Saudi Riyal, 14,381 Saudi Riyal and 12,113 Saudi Riyal.

A number of Saudi nationals eligible to register have withdrawn due to the high prices though the Hajj officials have announced extension for registration.

60 per cent of those who have already registered are the youths below 40 years old.