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Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia imposes ban on severely ill pilgrims for Hajj 2026

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Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Saudi authorities have announced a strict ban on severely ill individuals from performing Hajj 2026, introducing new medical compliance measures for incoming pilgrims.

Under the updated policy, severely ill pilgrims will be deported, and the cost of their return will be borne by the pilgrims themselves.

According to sources in Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, action will also be taken against doctors who issue fitness certificates to unfit pilgrims.

The Ministry further clarified that, in line with guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health, individuals with kidney diseases, including patients undergoing dialysis, will not be allowed to perform Hajj in 2026.

The Saudi Ministry of Health has also restricted Hajj for patients suffering from advanced-stage heart, lung, and liver diseases, particularly those unable to endure physical exertion.

Saudi Arabia introduces drone transport for medical supplies

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Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will deploy drones to transport medicines and blood samples during the upcoming Hajj season, significantly reducing delivery times, according to Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel.

The minister stated that while traditional vehicles take between one and three hours to transport medical supplies or samples, drones will cut this duration down to just 5–10 minutes, ensuring faster and more efficient medical support for pilgrims.

He further emphasized that all pilgrims are required to receive the meningitis vaccine, while some countries have additional vaccine requirements based on health guidelines.

According to the minister, these special instructions issued by the Health Ministry aim to protect pilgrims’ health and prevent the spread of infections during the Hajj season.