Saudi Arabia has announced rules for citizens and Muslim foreign residents wishing to perform this year’s annual Hajj pilgrimage. The rule applies to citizens, other foreign pilgrims including Nigerians in the country.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has said that priority in registration, which opened earlier this month, will be given to those who have not previously performed Hajj, except for the escort of the eligible pilgrim, reports Gulf News.

Another requirement is that the national card or residency permit must be valid until the 10th of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijjah, marking the following day of the Hajj climax.

The registration must be based on correct and accurate data, as entering incorrect information invalidates the applicant.

The ministry stressed that the pilgrim must be in good health, suffering from no acute or contagious, or chronic diseases. The pilgrims must complete the meningitis and seasonal influenza vaccinations.

The eligible applicant is also required to make advance booking, and abiding by all instructions. Any error in the data or violation of the requirements may lead to cancellation of the reservation.

The ministry pointed out that no amount of money paid will be refunded after the start of the Hajj programme.

It underlined the importance of abidance by all health and preventive instructions and guidelines, adherence to the timetables set for movement between the holy sites as well as instructions related to transportation, assembling and accommodation.

The Hajj permit must be printed via the Nusuk portal, clearly displaying the QR code, keeping it throughout the pilgrimage rituals, and not allowing others than the regular pilgrim to use it.

Hajj is one of Islam’s five obligatory duties. Muslims, who can physically and financially afford Hajj, have to undertake it at least once in a lifetime.

Gulf News reports that around 1.8 million Muslims, including 1.6 million from abroad, performed last year’s Hajj.