PREPARATIONS for the upcoming annual pilgrimage of Hajj are proceeding in a manner that befits the guests of God and the Kingdom and its constant concern for the success of the pilgrimage in terms of its organization, security, health, and safety, as well as the services. In the current critical circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, the number of pilgrims has been fixed at 60,000, and that is tantamount to taking care of six million pilgrims in normal circumstances. This is out of diligence not to allow the occurrence of any loophole and for this, intense and resolute scrutiny on every detail is warranted. In previous years too, the Saudi government made the Hajj permit mandatory for the performance of the pilgrimage, and it took punitive measures against those who try to breach this condition. However, this year the situation warranted more strictness and a more severe penalty for those who try to bypass the Hajj permit condition by any means as well as for those who help them facilitate to perform the pilgrimage in an illegal way. Taking two doses of vaccine is also a prerequisite to perform the pilgrimage so as to ensure health security, with a decisive position that Hajj should not be a loophole for the spread of the epidemic. The Ministry of Health has provided vaccines in sufficient quantities so that no pilgrim has an excuse for not taking the required doses. As for the rest of the enormous services that the state agencies usually make available during each Hajj, they are being provided with the same quality, efficiency, speed, and perfection, regardless of the number of pilgrims. There has also been a substantial improvement in the facilities and services with the passing of each year. This confirms the Saudi government's keenness in serving pilgrims as it sees it as a duty, honor, and responsibility that it undertakes to the fullest in all circumstances whatsoever.
