Hajj numbers below pre-pandemic levels despite relaxed travel restrictions

RIYADH: The number of Hajj pilgrims reached 899,353 in 2022, or Hijri year 1443, as the easing of COVID-19 restrictions prompted the return of foreign visitors, according to the General Authority for Statistics.

The GASTAT data revealed that the number of pilgrims from foreign countries totaled 779,919, and those from within Saudi Arabia were 119,434.

While the number of attendees is dramatically higher than the 58,745 who made the journey last year when the pilgrimage was restricted to people residing in Saudi Arabia, it is still below the average.