Haj pilgrims need health certificate confirming they are fit from 2026

Those 70 or older to get selection priority given new stringent requirements: Muis

- Zhaki Abdullah Correspondent

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore holding a media conference, chaired by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim (centre), on recent hajj developments on Oct 24. Muslims who wish to go on the annual hajj pilgrimage from 2026 will need to be certified medically fit and be physically capable of safely performing the hajj rituals, under new requirements set out by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

(PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN)

From 2026, Muslims wishing to go on the annual haj pilgrimage will have to obtain a health certificate confirming they are medically fit.

They must also be physically capable of safely performing the haj rituals, under new requirements set out by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The haj involves long walks, high temperatures and large crowds.

These are new prerequisites to qualify for the haj visa issued by Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) announced on Oct 24.

Given the stringent health requirements, Muis said it will prioritise applicants aged 70 and above who have received a letter of intent from Muis and are certified medically fit during the final stage of the selection process for the 2026 haj.

This is also to better support seniors still waiting for their pilgrimage, it said. Muis will review and adjust this approach for future selection.