Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee on Friday said that the intending pilgrims, who have applied for Haj 2021, should take the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine immediately so that they can be administered the second dose before undertaking the holy pilgrimage in June.
The development comes a day after the Haj Committee of India (HCI) said that no Indian Muslims shall be allowed to go for the annual Haj pilgrimage unless they have taken the two vaccine doses. The announcement was made following the latest directives from the Saudi Arabian Health Ministry and the Indian Consulate-General in Jeddah.
“In pursuance to circular issued by The Haj Committee of India, the intending pilgrims who have applied for Haj 2021 are advised to take first dose of vaccine on their own, so that at the time of departure during Mid-June the second dose of vaccine is taken accordingly,” an order issued by J&K Haj Committee read.
It said as per Health Ministry of Saudi Arabia, pilgrims visiting the Kingdom need to get two doses of vaccine before their departure to Saudi Arabia.