Covid-19 vaccine mandatory for Hajj pilgrimage: Saudi govt

Saudi Arabia has made the Covid-19 vaccine mandatory for Hajj pilgrims from all over the world, including India. Saudi Health Minister made the announcement on Thursday, adding that the government must be prepared to 'secure the manpower required to operate the health facilities in Mecca and Medina'.
As per the new rule, Saudi Arabia will only allow those who have taken the Covid-19 vaccine for the Hajj pilgrimage. This year's Hajj will be held in the month of July. But Saudi Arabia has not yet decided the number of pilgrims to be allowed for the pilgrimage in view of Covid-19.
In pre-pandemic times, about 20 lakh pilgrims from different countries used to visit Saudi Arabia every year for Hajj.