In response to new developments from the KSA Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has filled this year's Hajj quota for Singapore with eligible pilgrims who were supposed to perform their Hajj in 2020. The pilgrimage had been deferred for Singapore pilgrims since 2020 due to COVID.
Muis had previously asked pilgrims who were affected by the deferment of Hajj in 2020 and 2021 if they would be interested to perform this year’s Hajj, and recorded their vaccination status plus latest contact details. This is part of Muis’ efforts to get prospective pilgrims to prepare early, remain flexible and be spiritually, physically, mentally, and financially ready to perform their Hajj.
Those who have yet to reply to Muis are requested to do so by 29 April 2022, failing which they will be automatically placed in the queue for subsequent years. Muis has also confirmed that all other pilgrims who are in the Advance Haj Registration System will be automatically requeued to perform Hajj in subsequent years, subject to conditions and requirements as mandated by the KSA authorities.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently announced that Hajj in 2022 will be opened to 1 million pilgrims, including 850,000 international pilgrims. Each country is accorded approximately 45% of their previous official pre-pandemic quota. Singapore has been granted a Hajj quota of 407 places, which is approximately 45% of the previous official quota of 900.
The Ministry also specified that this year’s Hajj will be allocated for pilgrims aged under 65. All pilgrims must be COVID-19 vaccinated with a KSA-approved vaccine and must submit a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours from the time of departure to KSA.
Muis is now appointing approved travel agents for Hajj 2022 and finalising the approved Hajj packages available for pilgrims. Muis will be announcing the list of approved travel agents and package prices on 4 May 2022.
Muis is also finalising the list of pilgrims who are able to meet the conditions and requirements for Hajj 2022 and will be issuing formal letters of offer on 5 May 2022. Eligible pilgrims will be notified via SMS informing them to check their email for details on the collection of their letter.
Upon accepting the formal offer from Muis, pilgrims are required to purchase Hajj packages with their preferred approved travel agent within three calendar days.
Allocated pilgrims are strongly advised to prepare the following travel documents before purchasing their Hajj packages:
- Valid passport (six months validity before departure date)
- Colour passport picture (4 cm x 6 cm)
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate (www.notarise.gov.sg)
- Meningococcal meningitis vaccination certificate
- Seasonal influenza vaccination certificate (recommended)
Given the requirement of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours from the time of departure to KSA, pilgrims are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance that cover their medical expenses in KSA, trip cancellation and trip curtailment, should they fail their PCR test and cannot travel to KSA.
Muis also stated that the cost of approved Hajj packages is dependent on costs in KSA. "We are still awaiting confirmation from the Saudi authorities, although there are indications that there will be an increase in costs compared to pre-pandemic times," the organisation said in a statement.