Saudi Arabia Tightens Health Rules for 2026 Haj: Chronic and Infectious Disease Patients Ineligible

Putrajaya, Oct 20:  Malaysians suffering from chronic or infectious diseases will not be eligible to perform the haj next year under new health regulations introduced by Saudi Arabia for the 1447H/2026M pilgrimage season.

Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) announced that Saudi authorities have made it mandatory for all prospective pilgrims to fulfill specific health conditions before being granted a haj visa.

“Among the key requirements is that pilgrims must be free from infectious diseases or uncontrolled chronic illnesses and be physically capable of performing the haj without depending on others,” TH said in a statement today.

Those diagnosed with certain medical conditions will be automatically disqualified. The list includes chronic kidney failure, heart failure or serious heart diseases, neurological or mental disorders affecting cognitive and motor abilities, dementia or extreme frailty due to old age, high-risk pregnancies, active infectious diseases, and cancer patients undergoing treatment.

TH group managing director and chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Mustakim Mohamad, said the safety, health, and welfare of Malaysian pilgrims remain TH’s highest priority.

“TH places great importance on the health aspects of every pilgrim, especially during their stay in the Holy Land. As in previous years, many of our support personnel will consist of medical officers from the Health Ministry,” he said.

For the upcoming haj season, TH will continue operating health clinics at all pilgrims’ accommodations in Makkah and Madinah. Each clinic will provide outpatient services and pharmacies staffed by Ministry of Health personnel.

However, Mustakim noted that TH will no longer be permitted to operate its own treatment centers in Saudi Arabia.

“Pilgrims requiring further medical care will be referred to Saudi government hospitals, where Malaysian medical specialists will provide oversight and coordination,” he explained.

He also urged all prospective pilgrims to begin preparing themselves early, both physically and mentally, to withstand the challenging conditions of the haj, which involves long hours of movement under hot and dusty desert weather.

“The haj is a physically demanding act of worship. We advise all pilgrims to undergo health checks and strengthen their fitness well before departure,” Mustakim added.

— Voice of Malaysia News