Saudi bars Hajj for pilgrims with dialysis, heart or lung diseases, liver cirrhosis or on chemotherapy
People with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or viral hemorrhagic fever, as well as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or other intensive immunotherapy, will also be barred from performing Hajj.
The Saudi government has announced that people suffering from severe health conditions or incurable diseases will not be allowed to perform Hajj, said the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
In a press release issued today (10 November), the religious affairs ministry said the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has instructed all countries sending pilgrims to conduct comprehensive health check-ups and ensure that every pilgrim is medically fit for the pilgrimage.
As part of the process, each pilgrim must obtain a health certificate confirming they are free from medical risks that could hinder their participation in Hajj.
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The certificate must be uploaded to the Nusuk Masar digital platform, said the release.
Citing a Saudi directive, the ministry said, pilgrims with non-functioning major organs—such as those undergoing dialysis for kidney failure, suffering from serious heart disease, or lung disease requiring continuous oxygen support—will not be permitted to perform Hajj.
The same restrictions apply to individuals with severe liver cirrhosis, advanced neurological or mental disorders (including dementia), late-stage pregnancies, or pregnancies deemed high-risk at any stage.
People with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or viral hemorrhagic fever, as well as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or other intensive immunotherapy, will also be barred from performing Hajj.
Saudi authorities have requested all sending countries to verify health certificates at embarkation and arrival points, the release added.
Monitoring teams will check the authenticity and accuracy of the certificates issued through the Nusuk Masar platform.
If pilgrims from any country are found to have restricted conditions, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will take corrective and restrictive measures against that country, it said.
Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain said that physical fitness is crucial for safe and efficient Hajj management.
Bangladesh will strictly follow Saudi health guidelines in selecting pilgrims, he added.
