Hajj 2022: First group of pilgrims to leave for Mecca in mid-June
Kyrgyzstanis will start pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in mid-June. The head of the Hajj and Umrah Department of the Spiritual Directorate of the Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (SDMK) Zholdosh Abdyldaev told 24.kg news agency.
According to him, seven flights are planned with 450 seats each, which will deliver the pilgrims to holy places for the Muslims.
«Despite little time left, we managed to prepare everything. Citizens are getting the necessary jabs, and the issuance of visas will begin on June 1. The first group will go to Mecca and Medina, as we plan, on June 16. The pilgrims will return home by July 19,» Zholdosh Abdyldaev said.
Citizens of Kyrgyzstan under 65 can go for Hajj this year.
The SDMK informed that those who do not meet the age limit, but have registered, remain in the electronic queue. If Saudi Arabia grants permission next year, these believers will be able to make the pilgrimage.
At least 2,766 places have been allocated to Kyrgyz pilgrims this year. The quota was set by the authorities of the Kingdom. The cost of the Hajj is $4,500.
In connection with the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Saudi Arabia banned the pilgrimage to the shrines of Islam in Mecca and Medina for foreigners. There were restrictions on the Hajj for the Saudis themselves. The pilgrimage took place without the participation of foreign citizens for two years. This year, Saudi Arabia decided to receive the Muslims from other countries.
