Nigeria is set to tighten health screening for pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj following the introduction of stricter medical regulations by Saudi Arabia, authorities have said.

The new rules require all intending pilgrims to obtain certified medical clearance confirming their fitness for the physically demanding rites. Vaccination compliance will be strictly enforced, and health checks at Saudi entry points will be intensified. Individuals with serious heart, lung, kidney, or neurological conditions may be barred from performing the pilgrimage.

Saudi officials said the measures are designed to reduce medical emergencies, particularly as the number of elderly pilgrims increases and temperatures rise in Makkah and Madinah. Mandatory vaccinations include the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, with influenza and COVID-19 shots required depending on global health developments.

Digital technology will also play a larger role in managing the pilgrimage. Integrated health records, biometric identification systems, and smart medical cards will allow healthcare personnel rapid access to pilgrims’ medical histories during emergencies. A 90-day health insurance scheme will provide coverage for all international pilgrims throughout their stay.

Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest sources of Hajj pilgrims, bears primary responsibility for ensuring compliance. Pilgrims failing health checks upon arrival risk repatriation, while officials approving unfit travellers could face sanctions, including expulsion from the kingdom and long-term entry bans.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has responded by implementing reforms, including a real-time Hajj situation room to monitor preparations nationwide. Efforts are also underway to process visas earlier and increase reliance on digital monitoring systems to improve transparency and efficiency.

State pilgrims’ welfare boards, responsible for processing most Nigerian pilgrims, have been urged to conduct thorough medical examinations using qualified professionals and credible health institutions. Experts also recommend digitising medical records to reduce the risk of fraudulent certifications.

Public enlightenment campaigns are planned to inform pilgrims that conditions such as severe hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, or organ failure could disqualify them, preventing last-minute disqualifications in Saudi Arabia.

Analysts say the reforms reflect the realities of managing one of the world’s largest religious gatherings and are crucial to safeguarding both the health of pilgrims and Nigeria’s credibility in the Hajj process. (The Nation)