Mauritian pilgrims benefit from Saudi Arabia health support ahead of Hajj

The donation of 300 doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support Mauritian pilgrims travelling for the upcoming Hajj was discussed during a meeting held, this afternoon in Ebène, between the Acting Prime Minister, Mr Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Fayez Meshel Altemyat.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo, and the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea.

In a statement, Acting Prime Minister Shakeel Mohamed underscored the continued deepening of relations between Mauritius and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the Kingdom’s timely support ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage next month. He noted that, in accordance with Saudi health regulations, pilgrims aged above 65 are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

He expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for the donation, noting that efforts had been ongoing to secure the vaccines, and emphasised that the contribution would enable eligible Mauritian pilgrims to meet the required health conditions.

Mr Mohamed further indicated that discussions also centred on strengthening cooperation in the health sector, including the possibility of a Memorandum of Understanding between the respective Ministries of Health. Areas of collaboration envisaged include advanced medical technologies such as robotics, virtual surgery, and other digital healthcare innovations, which, he emphasised, would contribute to improving healthcare delivery in Mauritius.

For his part, Minister Bachoo expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the timely support provided, noting that the vaccines had been secured at the right time to meet the requirements for the Hajj pilgrimage. He also added that discussions focused on reinforcing cooperation between Mauritius and Saudi Arabia in the health sector, with a view to further consolidating existing relations.

As for Ambassador Altemyat, he spoke about the excellent relations between Saudi Arabia and Mauritius, based on friendship, cooperation, and solidarity. He noted that the provision of 300 COVID-19 vaccine doses reflects the Kingdom’s broader commitment to supporting friendly nations and its humanitarian role in facilitating access to Hajj for pilgrims worldwide. The Ambassador also underlined that the initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s continued engagement with international partners across various fields.

16 April 2026

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Topics: Bilateral cooperation