11 Diseases That Prevent Prospective Hajj Pilgrims from Departing
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Hajj worship season is approaching. The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah states that the departure of prospective Hajj pilgrims for Wave I will begin on 22 April 2026.
For this year’s Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has tightened the health capability (istitaah) requirements for pilgrims. This is part of efforts to improve the quality of Hajj services and safety, with the implementation of stricter health standards.
“Hajj is for those who are able to perform it. The basic requirement for Hajj is the pilgrims’ health capability so as not to endanger themselves or other pilgrims,” said an official statement from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The Saudi government emphasises that pilgrims who do not meet health standards may be rejected from departing or repatriated. Meanwhile, organisers who violate the provisions will face strict sanctions.
It should be noted that during the 2025 Hajj season, 447 Indonesian pilgrims passed away in the Holy Land, mostly due to health factors. For this reason, health requirements for prospective pilgrims have been tightened to avoid mortality rates during the Hajj worship.
According to the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH), there are 11 diseases that render pilgrims ineligible due to health reasons, including:
Coronary heart disease
Uncontrolled hypertension
Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
Chronic lung disease (COPD)
Kidney failure
Severe mental disorders
Active infectious diseases
Advanced-stage cancer
Uncontrolled autoimmune diseases
Epilepsy
Stroke
The Ministry of Hajj then emphasised the importance of implementing health certification for pilgrims to ensure all participants are truly fit. “We hope Indonesia ensures no ill pilgrims are sent. This is the best service for the pilgrims,” the statement firmly stated.