By Abubakarr Bah, Information Attaché, Saudi Arabia
As the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites announced its readiness for the 1446 AH/2025 Hajj season, preparations are underway in Sierra Leone. The Presidential Taskforce on Hajj is working diligently to facilitate a successful Hajj for the Sierra Leonean contingent.
Chairman Alhaji Murtada Sesay revealed that 2,000 Sierra Leonean pilgrims are expected to perform this year’s Hajj, scheduled from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, corresponding to June 4th to 9th, 2025. The breakdown includes 600 pilgrims from Freetown and 1,400 from the Sierra Leonean diaspora.
Additionally, a special batch of 100 pilgrims, beneficiaries of the Saudi Royal Hajj scholarship, will depart Freetown on May 30th, 2025. The first batch of 78 Sierra Leonean diaspora pilgrims is expected to arrive in Madinah on May 19th, 2025.
Also, the first batch of Sierra Leonean-based pilgrims (300) will depart Freetown International Airport via Egypt Air on May 28th, 2025, followed by the second batch (300) on May 29th, 2025. Subsequent batches of diaspora pilgrims will fly to Madinah on different dates.
The medical screening of pilgrims is 95% complete, with an extension window until May 19th. A medical team consisting of 3 doctors, 3 nurses, and 1 pharmacist will accompany the Taskforce to provide medical support during the Hajj.
