To ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a stricter health advisory for individuals planning to undertake the annual pilgrimage in 2025. The ministry recommended that healthy and physically fit individuals should participate in the pilgrimage, which can involve walking up to 25 kilometres in the extreme summer heat of Saudi Arabia.

The advisory specifically cautioned individuals who are elderly (over 65), suffer from chronic diseases such as heart, kidney, or respiratory issues, or have diabetes and immune deficiencies - whether congenital or acquired. Pregnant individuals, those with terminal illnesses, and children under 12 are also advised to consider postponing their pilgrimage this year. 

This recommendation comes in light of the alarming incidents that occurred during this year's Hajj, where more than 1,300 pilgrims reportedly lost their lives due to the extreme heat conditions. The majority of these fatalities were attributed to the pilgrims walking long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort.