TheCable

The Katsina pilgrims board says intending pilgrims above the age of 65 years will not be allowed into Saudi Arabia.

The board made the announcement during orientation for intending pilgrims and Islamic scholars in the state ahead of the 2022 hajj operations.

Speaking at the event, Suleiman Nuhu-Kuki, the board’s executive director, said Saudi Arabia have banned people over 65 years from participating in this year’s hajj.

He added that intending pilgrims must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

”Saudi Arabia has indicated that people above 65 years must not be allowed to perform Hajj this year and also reminded all intending pilgrims that full COVID-19 vaccination is compulsory,” he said.

“By full vaccination, I mean the three doses and, of course, PCR is mandatory.”

Nuhu-Kuki said the National Hajj commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had fixed N2.5 million as deposit from each intending pilgrim.

He said about 2,146 seats had been allocated to the state for this year’s hajj.

Nuhu-Kuki said the increase in hajj fares followed the hike in airfare and dollar exchange rates.

Nigeria has been allocated 43,008 hajj slots for 2022, with the 36 states and Abuja getting 33,976 seats and private tour operators getting 9,032 seats.

Kaduna got the highest allocation of 2,491 seats, while Abia got six with zero allocation to Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa.