Riyadh (Saudi Arabia):Saudi Arabia on Monday announced only around 1,000 pilgrims of various nationalities already in the Kingdom will be allowed to perform a dramatically scaled-down hajj this year, as the country continues its battle against the surge in coronavirus infections.
The decision to exclude pilgrims outside Saudi Arabia, a first in the Kingdom's modern history, has sparked disappointment among Muslims worldwide even as many accepted it was necessary due to the health risks involved, Bangkok Post reported.
The reduced number is way too less in comparison to the 2.5 million people who attended the five-day ritual last year.
In addition to this, the Kingdom has not even cleared airs on what the selection process will be for this year's hajj, which is scheduled to begin from July 31.
"The number of pilgrims will be around 1,000, maybe less, maybe a little more," Hajj Minister Mohammad Benten told reporters in Riyadh.
"The number will not be in tens or hundreds of thousands this year," he added.
The pilgrimage will be limited to those below 65 years of age and with no chronic illnesses, Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah added further to the development.
Moreover, the pilgrims will be tested for coronavirus before arriving in the holy city of Mecca and will be required to quarantine at home after the ritual, Rabiah added.