JAKARTA — Prospective hajj pilgrims from Indonesia are being reminded to take their mandatory health examinations seriously as part of the requirements for finalizing their Hajj Travel Cost (Bipih) payments for the 2026 hajj season (1447 H). Saudi Arabian authorities will implement random health checks at arrival airports, with potentially significant consequences for those who fail to meet health standards.

Random Health Inspections Upon Arrival

Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, commonly known as Gus Irfan, revealed that Saudi officials will conduct unscheduled health screenings at airports when pilgrims arrive. Those who do not meet the istitaah criteria—the required physical and mental capability standards—may face immediate deportation back to their home country.

“Random health examinations will be conducted at Saudi arrival airports. Pilgrims assessed as not meeting health istitaah requirements risk being sent home immediately,” Gus Irfan stated in an official press release on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

Preventive Measures Encouraged

To avoid the possibility of deportation, the minister urged all prospective pilgrims to maintain their health leading up to their departure. The goal is to ensure that all pilgrims are physically prepared to participate fully in the hajj rituals without health complications.

“We encourage pilgrims to prioritize their health starting now, so that when departure time arrives, they are genuinely in healthy condition. They must also pay attention to guidance issued by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regarding compliance with health istitaah requirements,” Gus Irfan emphasized.

Mandatory Pre-Departure Health Checks

Before traveling, prospective pilgrims must undergo health examinations at their local community health centers (puskesmas) as a prerequisite for completing their hajj payment. The minister stressed that health standards for the 2026 hajj will be enforced strictly to ensure the safety and smooth execution of the pilgrimage.

“If pilgrims do not meet health istitaah requirements, they cannot be given the opportunity to complete their payment. This is solely to ensure the safety and smooth running of the hajj pilgrimage,” Gus Irfan explained.

Medical Conditions That Disqualify Pilgrims

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has previously advised prospective 2026 hajj pilgrims about meeting istitha’ah requirements—the physical and mental capacity needed to travel to the Holy Land. One health requirement for Indonesian pilgrims is not suffering from any medical conditions on the ministry’s disqualifying list.

The following health conditions do not meet the health requirements for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage:

Critical Organ Failure: Including kidney failure requiring routine dialysis, severe heart failure, serious liver damage, and chronic lung disease requiring continuous oxygen support.

Severe Neurological or Psychiatric Disorders: Conditions affecting consciousness and daily activities, including elderly individuals with dementia.

High-Risk Pregnancy: Particularly during the third trimester.

Active Infectious Diseases: Such as open pulmonary tuberculosis and dengue fever.

Advanced Cancer: Or patients currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Uncontrolled Heart Disease and Hypertension: Including coronary heart disease with poorly managed blood pressure.

Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus: Cases where blood sugar levels are not adequately managed.

Uncontrolled Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune conditions that are not properly managed.

Epilepsy and Stroke: Both conditions are disqualifying.

Severe Mental Disorders: Serious psychiatric conditions that could affect pilgrimage participation.

Ensuring Pilgrim Safety

The implementation of these strict health standards reflects the government’s commitment to pilgrim welfare and safety during what is considered one of the most physically demanding religious journeys. By establishing clear health criteria and conducting thorough screenings both before departure and upon arrival, authorities aim to minimize health emergencies during the hajj period.

Prospective pilgrims are advised to consult with healthcare professionals early in their preparation process and address any existing health concerns well before their scheduled departure date. Those with chronic conditions should ensure their conditions are well-managed and documented according to the ministry’s requirements.

Original Article:

Kompas. (2025, November 25). Arab Saudi Bakal Periksa Kesehatan Jemaah Haji Secara Acak di Bandara. Retrieved from https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2025/11/25/15093151/arab-saudi-bakal-periksa-kesehatan-jemaah-haji-secara-acak-di-bandara