Dhaka: Only those who have never performed Hajj before will get the opportunity to perform Hajj this year. The age of the pilgrim should be between 20 to 65 years. These conditions are set out in the Hajj guidelines published by the Saudi Arabian government.
Registration of Hajj pilgrims has started online from Monday (July 6, 15 Zilkad). It will continue till July 10 (19 Zilkad).
The published guidelines further state that at the time of registration, the applicant has to answer a number of health related questions. At the same time, you have to promise to stay in quarantine for 14 days before and after Hajj.
Citizens of Saudi Arabia as well as holders of valid residence cards only can apply. Residents of Saudi Arabia cannot apply for any other visa.
Patients with diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease and Covid-19 infection or symptoms cannot apply.
This year, a maximum of 10,000 pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj. Of these, 70 percent are foreign nationals and 30 percent are Saudi nationals. However, the officials and employees of the Ministry of Health and Security will get priority.
After the application, the list of selected candidates will be published on July 12. The applicant will be informed via SMS and mail.
The global pandemic has allowed only citizens and foreigners living in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj to avoid coronavirus infection. This time no one from outside will be able to take part in Hajj.
No embassy has a role to play in registration.
The formalities of this year's Hajj will start from July 13 (26 Zilkad). It will continue till August 2 (13 Zilhaj).
Meanwhile, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Saudi Arabia said in a statement that the pilgrims participating in this year's Hajj will have to perform Hajj according to some new rules.
One of these rules is that the Holy Kaaba cannot be touched during Tawaf. You can't kiss in the presence of black stone Hazre Aswa.
Hajjis have to maintain a distance of one and a half meters during prayers and even during Kaaba Sharif Tawaf. This rule must be followed in Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat. At this time, it is obligatory for pilgrims and organizers to wear a mask.
No one can go to Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat without permission. The Saudi authorities will control the movement to and from these places.
Pilgrims will be provided with sterile stones while throwing stones at Jamarat, they have to be used. No group can have more than fifty people at the time of throwing stones.
The sacrifice has to be done through the bank. No pilgrim can buy or slaughter the sacrificial animal himself.
Transport workers and food suppliers and volunteers involved in Hajj management must adhere to hygiene rules. All kinds of gatherings and meetings have been banned. In addition to frequent hand washing, sneezing and coughing should be done with decency.
There will be separate lines during Tawaf and that line has to be followed. The same rule has to be followed during Safa-Marwa Sai.
No food is allowed in the Haram Mosque. Water coolers and Zamzam water supply will be cut off. Zamzam water has to be collected from certain places.
Pilgrims and those involved in Hajj management will have their body temperature checked regularly. Safe distances must be maintained between hotels and restaurants, access roads and vehicles.
If someone shows signs of corona, he will be sent to isolation. No magazines or pamphlets of any kind may be distributed. Hand sanitizers should be placed next to ATM booths, touch screen guides and vending machines. Pilgrims need to disinfect and sanitize their luggage.