Saudi Arabia bars international pilgrims for Haj 2020; only limited number of people present in the kingdom can participate in Haj this year

MUMBAI: In a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia has barred international visitors for the Islamic pilgrimage Haj (2020).
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah said that a "very limited number of pilgrims of various nationalities" already living in the kingdom will be allowed to perform Haj this year. Umrah or lesser pilgrimage is already suspended since February 2020 and, by barring international visitors for the annual pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia hopes to contain the spread of this global pandemic.
"This decision is taken to ensure Haj is performed safely from a public health perspective while observing all preventive measures and necessary social distancing protocols to protect human beings from the risks associated with pandemic and in accordance with the teachings of Islam about preserving the lives of human beings," said the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah release.
In normal circumstances over 25 lakh pilgrims from across the world, including two lakh from India, would have assembled in Mecca for the annual Haj. The Haj Committee of India had already announced an option to the pilgrims to take their money back because of the doubts over the Haj 2020 due to the threat of coronavirus spread.
"Earlier it was an option. Now we will necessarily return the money to the pilgrims who were booked for Haj 2020," said a senior official of the Haj Committee.
Yusuf Ahmed Khereda of Al Khalid Tours and Travels, a leading Haj and Umrah tour operator, called it a wise decision. " Given the threat of the global pandemic, this seems a wise decision as huge gathering could have spread the disease. Human life is precious and all efforts should be made to protect human beings," said Khereda.