Based on the information, there will be a special quota for older adultsJakarta (ANTARA) - Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has said that the pilgrim quota for the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage is expected to be higher compared to the quota allotted in 2022.
"Based on the results of my discussion with the Hajj and Umrah Minister of Saudi Arabia, inshallah (if God wills), the quota will be increased next year," he informed at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory, here on Thursday.
However, confirmation from the Saudi Arabian authorities is awaited regarding the higher quota, he added.
Qoumas affirmed that the Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry will continue to coordinate with the Religious Affairs Minister of Saudi Arabia regarding setting the quota, facilities, and the rights and obligations of pilgrims.
For the 2022 Hajj pilgrimage, Indonesia was given a quota of 100,051. The number was around 46 percent of the quota allotted in the previous years before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Related news: Minister commends Hajj officers serving the pilgrims
The quota of 100,051 comprised a regular Hajj quota of 92,825 and a special Hajj quota of 7,226.
In the five years from 2015 to 2019, Indonesia's regular Hajj quota was recorded at 155,200 (2015 and 2016), 204 thousand (2017 and 2018), and 214 thousand in 2019.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia earlier, the minister also received information that there might be a special quota for elderly pilgrims.
"Based on the information, there will be a special quota for older adults," he said.
Related news: Return of first Hajj pilgrim batch to be complete on Saturday
Qoumas expressed his appreciation and gratitude to a number of parties involved in the implementation of the 2022 Hajj pilgrimage, which is considered to have run smoothly.
After two years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia allowed one million international pilgrims to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in 2022.
Although it permitted foreign pilgrims to perform Hajj this year, Saudi Arabia laid down two conditions for them. First, they had to be less than 65 years of age and they were required to take the full dose of any COVID-19 vaccine approved by the Saudi Health Ministry.
Second, pilgrims traveling from abroad were required to carry a certificate showing a negative PCR result, with the test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure.
Related news: Saudi Arabia expected to revoke Hajj-related age limit regulation
Related news: Ministry declares Hajj activities closed as last pilgrim batch returns
Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
