One million pilgrims to perform this year’s Hajj

A million pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj in 2022, according to Saudi authorities.

The numbers attending the annual event were severely reduced in the previous two years to combat coronavirus pandemic.

The decision seeks to allow the largest number of pilgrims to take part in the Hajj, while preserving the health gains achieved by the Kingdom in the face of the pandemic, the ministry said.

The increase will be according to the quotas allocated to countries, taking into account health recommendations.

Last year, 58,745 pilgrims performed Hajj, according to official data.

Before the pandemic, the number of pilgrims often exceeded 2 million.