Saudi Arabia limits hajj to 60,000 residents

Saudi Arabia will restrict the annual hajj pilgrimage to its own residents for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic, state media announced over the weekend. In addition, the number of participants in the hajj will be limited to 60,000. A statement issued by the Saudi Press Agency said that the hajj is open to Saudi citizens or residents of the country ages 18 to 65 who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus and who are free of chronic diseases will be able to participate. The Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are the only ones approved for the hajj.