KUWAIT CITY, June 11: As the Hajj season nears with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aiming to host around one million pilgrims this year after easing COVID-19 restrictions, the Kuwaiti authority is working on necessary procedures preparations to facilitate Hajj for those embarking to complete this pillar of the Islamic faith. Kuwait’s Hajj pilgrims this year amount to 3,622 with conditions being set that only nationals were allow to head to Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims must have taken two jabs of the COVID-19 vaccine, should not be over 65 of age and have to provide a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to departure in line with Saudi authority guidelines. Speaking to KUNA regarding this Hajj seasons, Assistant at the Ministry of Awqaf (Endowment) and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Al-Mutairi revealed that a joint committee compromising of the Ministries of Awqaf and Health as well as the Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) was established to look into preparations for Kuwaiti Hajj pilgrims. He added that the committee was coordinating with Saudi Hajj authorities to make sure that pilgrims from Kuwait would attend to their rituals during this special journey.

In a similar statement, head of the Ministry’s Hajj and Umrah affairs Sattam Al-Mezyan affirmed that the ministry was working on several measures to facilitate Hajj for pilgrims. He revealed that Umrah and Hajj tour providers obtain necessary permits to be able to organize their campaigns and offer services. Several steps must be made to allow both pilgrims and the officials running tours to attend Hajj and this includes registration in the state’s official Hajj website, he indicated, noting that various states entities were working together to facilitate Hajj pilgrimage. On Thursday, the Kuwaiti supreme committee for Hajj had assigned its members and teams to put the final touches and prepare pilgrims for this great ritual. (KUNA)