Women can perform Hajj without male guardian, says Saudi ministry

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that women can now register for the annual Hajj pilgrimage without a male guardian (mahram), Al Arabiya News reported on Monday.

In its registration guidelines issued for this year's Hajj for domestic pilgrims, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said women did not need to have a male guardian to register, and could do so along with other women.

“Those wishing to perform Hajj will have to register individually. Women can register without a mahram (male guardian) along with other women,” the ministry said in a tweet.

In 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had granted permission to women to travel abroad without approval from a male guardian.

Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday it would allow 60,000 residents vaccinated against COVID-19 to perform this year’s Hajj, but Muslims from abroad would be barred for a second straight year.

Saudi Press Agency quoted Hajj ministry as saying "this year Hajj would be open for nationals and residents of the Kingdom, limited to 60,000 pilgrims.”

The pilgrimage, scheduled to be held in July, would be limited to those who have been vaccinated and are aged 18-65 with no chronic illnesses, it said.