Saudi sets 12 years as minimum age to perform Hajj

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has said the minimum age for performing this year’s Hajj is 12 years, as the number of intending pilgrims return to the pre-pandemic era.

Saudi Ministry of Hajj has also pointed out that priority for registering to undertake this year’s pilgrimage would be given to first timers.

The ministry added that only Muslims holding Hajj visas or those with legal residency in Saudi Arabia will be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage rites.

The ministry had earlier unveiled four packages for domestic pilgrims wishing to attend the 2023 Hajj with costs ranging from SR,3984 to SR11,841.

According to the ministry, details of these packages and transportation fees depend on types of transport means and the pilgrim’s departure city en route to Hajj.

KSA has said there will be no limits on the numbers of pilgrims from around the world for the upcoming pilgrimage, reversing earlier restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the past two years.

In the past two years, Saudi Arabia has reduced the number of Muslims allowed to perform the Hajj rites to prevent the spread of the virus. Around 2.5 million Muslims used to attend Hajj yearly in the pre-pandemic times.

Muslims, who can, physically and financially, afford Hajj, have to perform it at least once in a lifetime.