Riyadh, May 3 — Saudi Arabia has lifted its restriction on pilgrims under 15 years of age for this year’s Hajj, restoring the earlier policy that permits children aged 12 and above to undertake the annual pilgrimage.
The decision, communicated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to participating countries, reverses a recent directive that had barred those below 15, affecting families planning to travel together.
“The previous policy — allowing children above 12 years — is now back in effect. However, visas rejected under the 15-year restriction will need to be reprocessed,” the ministry said, according to Arab News.
Aviation authorities have also been instructed to allow travel for pilgrims falling within the revised age bracket.
Officials said fresh applications can now be submitted for eligible children, including those whose visas were earlier denied due to the restriction.
The move is expected to ease concerns among families who had postponed or modified travel plans following the earlier curbs.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of pilgrims each year to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.