COVID-19 VACCINES MANDATORY FOR HAJJ, UMRAH WORKERS IN MECCA AND MEDINA

Sat 27 March 2021:

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has said in its circular that, Coronavirus vaccines will be made mandatory for those workers serving Hajj and Umrah activities, as well as those working in shops in Mecca and Medina,

Those serving pilgrims will have to be vaccinated by the first day of Ramadan, according to the circular.

The latest news comes as Saudi Arabia has mandated that workers in certain fields will be required to take a PCR test every seven days at the expense of their employer if they are not yet vaccinated.

The ministry said that its decision is in line with the Ministry of Health’s instructions to curb the spread of coronavirus, protect public health and ensure the return to normal life in the Kingdom.

Employees in barbershops, female salons, restaurants, cafes, and food outlets must be vaccinated starting from May 13, the ministry said.

Earlier this month.Saudi Arabia’s health ministry says only people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to attend the Hajj this year.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory for those willing to come to the Hajj and will be one of the main conditions (for receiving a permit to come),” according to circular signed by the health minister on March 1.

Ramadan is expected to start this year on April 12 and last for one month while the annual Hajj pilgrimage is expected to take place on July 17, both depending on the sighting of the moon.