In another development, the Saudi Health Ministry recently advised those suffering from illnesses involving the heart, kidneys and the respiratory system to postpone their hajj for their own safety.

The ministry did not stipulate an age limit, but also said that the elderly who are feeble and medically unfit to travel might not be considered for pilgrimage visas.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Pilgrimage, Dr. Muhammad Saleh Benten has announced that his ministry will provide “around-the-clock services” to all pilgrims the moment they arrive to when they depart. “We have worked on mechanisms aimed at enabling pilgrims perform their Hajj rituals easily and comfortably,” Benten said.

(Check out the Saudi Hajj Ministry website- for Hajj visas requirements which are updated annually).