Page 27 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

Arabia to protect themselves and their peers from various infectious diseases. This includes the
mandatory meningococcal vaccination 2 , which must be administered no more than three years
and at least ten days prior to the planned arrival in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims are advised to carry
valid health certificates confirming that they are free from any acute, chronic or infectious
diseases. Furthermore, we suggest scheduling activities to avoid peak heat hours whenever
possible and being adequately hydrated during Hajj, as pilgrims may experience heat-related
illnesses and dehydration.”
Gulnaz Ukassova, Security Director at International SOS in Dubai, stressed the need for
thorough pre-travel preparation and compliance with government directives, stating, “It is vital
for pilgrims undertaking Hajj to thoroughly understand and comply with the relevant Hajj
regulations prior to and during the pilgrimage. Pilgrims should expect large crowds at religious
sites, particularly on the Jamaarat Bridge in Mina and around Al-Masjid Al-Haram Mosque in
Mecca. Pilgrims must take precautions to ensure their safety during crowd surges, such as
staying aware of their surroundings, adhering to designated lanes, avoiding walking against the
direction of traffic and knowing the nearest emergency exits and evacuation routes. They should
also anticipate and be prepared for potential travel disruptions and increased demand for
various services during this period.”
Hajj 2024 health and safety guidelines for organisations and their workforce to ensure the health
and safety of pilgrims:

• Encourage employees undertaking Hajj to obtain vaccinations and health certification:
All pilgrims are required to have proof of administering meningococcal vaccination.
Ensure all routine vaccinations, including COVID-19 and seasonal influenza are up-to-
date. Depending on their country of origin, travellers may also be required to show proof
of polio and yellow fever vaccination.
– Registration on the ‘Sehaty’ app is mandatory to verify vaccination status and facilitate
entry into the country for all pilgrims.
• Ensure compliance with regulations: Encourage employees to always follow guidance
provided by licensed Hajj operators for a safe and organised pilgrimage. Ensure they
adhere to designated time slots allocated by authorities to help avoid overcrowding risks.
• Offer security briefings and heightened situational awareness: Provide pre-departure
briefings on security protocols, situational awareness practices and cultural sensitivities.
Develop contingency plans to address potential travel disruptions during the Hajj.
• Educate employees on the risks of extreme temperatures: To mitigate the effects of
potentially extreme temperatures, pilgrims should prioritise staying hydrated. Choosing
lightweight and light-coloured clothing helps regulate body temperature and reduce heat
stress.
• Ensure crowd and emergency preparedness: Provide employees with a crowd
management guide along with tips for navigating densely populated areas. Encourage
pilgrims to save emergency contact information for police, ambulance services, embassy
officials and local contacts on their mobile phones in case immediate assistance is
needed.

https://www.traveldailynews.com/special-interest-travel/international-sos-encourages-
organisations-to-prioritise-pilgrim-health-and-safety-during-hajj-2024-with-vital-
precautions/#google_vignette