Riyadh, July 9 (INP): Registration stages via electronic application for male and female pilgrims planning to perform Hajj this year were completed, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced today, adding that as many as 60,000 multinational eligible candidates representing 150 countries from inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been selected since the start of the process on the 3rd of Dhul-Qa’dah 1442 H.

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdelfattah bin Suleiman Mashat, said that the number of registered pilgrims for this year reached 558,270 pilgrims in the first stage of registration, which ended on Thursday 28 Dhu al-Qa’dah 1442 H.

Later eligible candidates were chosen according to several conditions, including age and those performing the ritual for the first time in addition to adhering to precautionary and preventive measures.

The Ministry also called on all pilgrims who have been granted Hajj permits this year to take the second vaccine dose, as they will be receiving it without booking an appointment in advance.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that pilgrims will be received on the 7th and 8th of Dhul-Hijjah at four reception centers, after which they will be transported by buses to the Holy Mosque in Makkah to perform Arrival Tawaf (circumambulation) before heading to the Holy Sites.