UAE launches online Hajj permit on Al Hosn App

Al Hosn National Health System, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), has launched an online Hajj permit service on Al Hosn App in cooperation with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE).

The service aims to facilitate Hajj procedures, save pilgrims’ times and efforts and enhance their confidence in the efficiency and development of national health procedures. Additionally, it supports the ongoing efforts of the two entities to accelerate their digital transformation by switching from paper to digital versions of permits.

"Providing the online Hajj permit through Al Hosn App will bolster our efforts to protect all members of the UAE’s Hajj mission and is in line with health protocols and precautionary measures approved by the UAE for the Hajj season (1443 AH - 2022)," Al Hosn National Health System stated.

MoHAP stressed that the online Hajj permit service will further add to the nation's achievements made on the way to recover from the pandemic, address any emerging mutants, improve public health, and enhance the UAE's capacity to deal with pandemics within a record period.

According to the ministry, all optional and mandatory vaccinations for pilgrims have been made available at health centres in collaboration with other national health authorities. "We are committed to providing the best medical and regulatory services to pilgrims in accordance with the highest standards to ensure their health and safety while performing the Hajj and to shield them from all health risks and infectious diseases," the ministry said.

Al-Hosn System has clarified that an electronic Hajj permit is mandatory for any individual leaving the country for Hajj, even if he has received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and a booster shot. "There are several procedures and mechanisms that everyone wishing to perform the Hajj must fulfil to ensure obtaining the "Green Pass" that allows them to travel safely," it added.

Al Hosn System has specified four mandatory steps for those willing to perform Hajj, and for the permit to be issued automatically on the Al-Hosn application. A negative PCR test no later than (72 hours) before the date of travel; attaching certificates of obtaining the "meningitis" vaccine (compulsory), and the "seasonal influenza and pneumococcal" vaccines (optional) from one of the health centres approved by MoHAP, and health authorities; in addition to "attaching a report on the medical condition of the person wishing to travel (fit) from the approved health authorities, and finally, attaching a travel permit for Hajj.

Al-Hosn System stated that the pilgrims who received COVID-19 full vaccination doses and its booster doses would obtain an electronic Hajj permit on the Al-Hosn app once the four steps are completed.

It has further indicated that the "electronic Hajj permit" will appear in grey if: (1) "the PCR test expires 72 hours before travel, (2) required vaccinations are not received, (3) the medical report is not obtained, or (4) if the Hajj travel approval is not obtained from the competent authorities," while the permit will appear in red if the result of the (PCR) test is positive.

The system urged people who have any inquiries or questions regarding the electronic Hajj permit to contact at 8004676, or via the e-mail [email protected].

They can also contact the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf), by calling at 80029723 or by sending an email to [email protected], or by contacting the Ministry of Health and Prevention at the toll-free number 80011111.

WAM