News from Riyadh confirmed that this year Hajj and Umrah visa wont be granted elderly and to those who are suffering from chronic diseases, as the Saudi government wants prevent the middle east respiratory syndrome corona virus from spreading. This virus has claimed 38 life’s since September 2012. The age limit has not been mentioned so far but its confirmed that heart patients, Diabetes patient and those having kidney, respiratory problems, patients suffering from immune deficiencies,terminal malignant diseases and pregnant wont be granted visa this year. The visas will be granted at the month of Ramadan. Looking at the above mentioned categories who wont be granted visa this year for Hajj and Umrah, a huge number of applications will be rejected.
Mr. Mirghalani said that elderly and those who are unfit for travel wont be given pilgrimage visa he also said that is it compulsory for all the pilgrims to have a valid certificate of vaccination against meningitis tend days before departure. Polio vaccination is also required for the pilgrims from those countries where polio percentage is high. An optional vaccination against influenza as a precautions against flu attacks. He also said that pilgrims are advised to take proper hygiene ensure hygienic cooking, hands should be washed before every meal disposable shaving kits. Saudi Hajj ministry is putting efforts to prevent food poisoning in this regard pilgrims are advised not to keep cooked food for more than 2 hours.People have been advised to wash fruits and vegetables before consumption.
