Algiers, Algeria – President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has approved the allocation of 2,000 additional Hajj slots specifically for citizens aged 70 and above. This decision aims to provide a greater opportunity for elderly Algerians to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
The initiative targets individuals who have registered for the Hajj pilgrimage ten times previously without success in the regular lottery. The announcement underscores the President’s commitment to ensuring that senior citizens have a better chance to fulfill this important religious obligation.
According to the Ministry of Interior, Local Authorities, and Urban Planning, a special lottery for this designated group will be held on Saturday, December 6th. The lottery will take place at the wilaya (province) headquarters or other locations designated by local authorities. Eligible citizens or their representatives are invited to attend.
The Ministry clarified that eligibility for this special lottery is strictly limited to citizens meeting two criteria: they must be 70 years of age or older, and they must have registered for the Hajj pilgrimage at least ten times in the past without being selected. The Ministry emphasized that applications from individuals who do not meet both of these requirements will not be considered.
This move is expected to be welcomed by many elderly Algerians who have long hoped to make the pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and performing it is a significant aspiration for many Muslims worldwide. The President’s decision reflects a commitment to supporting the religious aspirations of Algeria’s senior citizens.
