Medical health certificate now mandatory for Haj applicants from 2026, seniors to be given priority

All Muslim Singaporean pilgrims intending to perform the Haj in 2026 and onwards will now need to obtain a medical certificate confirming they are fit to perform the pilgrimage, or Haj.

This falls under new rules introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU) and implemented by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS).

New mandatory medical health requirement

The new mandatory medical health requirement requiring a medical cert ensures that every applicant is medically fit, free from disqualifying chronic conditions, and physically capable of performing the demanding Haj rituals.

Existing common chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol do not automatically disqualify applicants from performing the haj so long as the condition is managed and a medical fitness certification has been obtained.

Mobility aids such as walking sticks may be permitted for light support.

Any applicants who are fully dependent on a wheelchair, scooter, or constant human assistance, however, are automatically disqualified by Saudi Arabia's new regulations.

This is to safeguard the pilgrims' health and safety while performing Haj rituals.

The Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Faishal Ibrahim, emphasised that this new medical requirement applies to all pilgrims globally, and is meant to protect the safety and wellbeing of everyone undertaking the pilgrimage as it is a physically demanding journey that involves long walks, high temperatures, and large crowds.

Guidelines for applicants

Upon receiving the Letter of Intent from Oct. 31 2025 and confirming their intention to proceed, prospective pilgrims are required to schedule an appointment for the Haj Medical Assessment.

This Haj Medical Assessment must be completed by applicants by Nov. 21 2025 with any registered doctor in Singapore, who will issue a Medical Health Certificate stating whether they are “Medically Fit” or “Medically Unfit” for Haj.

According to MUIS, the certificate is a prerequisite for haj visa issuance by Saudi authorities.

Applicants who miss the deadline will not be considered for Haj 2026.

Those who fail the medical requirement and have been deemed as “Medically Unfit” are encouraged to defer their haj pilgrimage until their health condition improves.

Prioritisation of senior applicants

To further support senior applicants, MUIS announced that those aged 70 years and above who will receive their Letter of Intent and are certified medically fit will receive priority consideration during the final selection for Haj 2026.

MUIS noted that this approach balances compassion for elderly pilgrims with the need to safeguard their well-being.

Faishal also shared that this new consideration was implemented after receiving feedback and suggestions to give priority to the seniors.

He added: “I encourage all prospective pilgrims to start preparing early — financially, physically and mentally as well as spiritually so that they can experience a smooth and meaningful Haj.”

New fatwa guidance

MUIS also highlighted a new Fatwa Committee guidance, which allows individuals who are unable to perform Haj due to health conditions to either defer their pilgrimage or appoint a proxy to perform it on their behalf.

If, despite genuine efforts by the individual, the Haj by proxy cannot be completed, the Haj obligation is considered lifted.

The committee assured that those prevented from Haj due to health reasons would still be granted spiritual reward.

Top images via Unsplash, Mothership