Saudi Arabia has introduced new medical restrictions on Hajj visas, prohibiting individuals with serious, life-threatening illnesses from undertaking the pilgrimage. The policy, conveyed on 16 October by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to the Maldives Hajj Mission, requires prospective pilgrims to undergo extensive medical screening, altering preparations for Maldivian applicants.
The restrictions were confirmed by Mohamed Shakeel, Managing Director of the Maldives Hajj Corporation, during an appearance on the PSM News programme ‘Raajje Miadhu’, where he outlined the implications for this year’s pilgrimage.
According to Shakeel, the Saudi authorities have specified that the measures apply to individuals suffering from severe cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases, neurological disorders and major neurocognitive conditions such as dementia. “These are matters over which we have no direct control,” he said, noting that the severity of an illness will be the decisive factor in determining eligibility.
He stressed that the presence of a medical condition does not automatically result in visa denial. “It is important to clarify that the mere presence of an ailment does not necessarily mean a visa will be denied. They [the Saudi Hajj Ministry] will consider the severity and magnitude of the condition,” he explained.
Shakeel added that minor health issues are unlikely to affect applications. “Therefore, after the necessary tests are conducted and the individual’s health status is fully revealed, we will be in a position to advise further. For instance, having a common cardiovascular condition or a slight kidney problem will not likely cause immediate complications in this process,” he said.
To comply with the new requirements, the Hajj Corporation has introduced mandatory advanced medical testing for all individuals selected to perform Hajj. Under the revised protocol, pilgrims must first undergo initial medical examinations, which will be reviewed by the corporation’s medical teams. If additional clarification is needed, further tests will be required. The final decision on visa issuance will rest with the Saudi Hajj Ministry, following its review of the complete medical reports.
Shakeel underscored that the measures, determined by the Saudi government, are intended to safeguard the health and safety of all pilgrims. He added that the Hajj Corporation is working on providing for contingency arrangements. Should a visa be denied on medical grounds, the affected individual will retain the right to transfer their pilgrimage opportunity to another person of their choosing.
Saudi Arabia currently allocates a quota of 1,000 pilgrims to the Maldives. The government of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is engaged in consultations with Saudi authorities in an effort to secure an increase in this allocation.