The Ministry of Social Welfare has announced that a total 640 Muslim pilgrims are set to depart Sierra Leone for Saudi Arabia to perform hajj in Mecca.

Sierraloaded learns that the pilgrims will be accompanied by 12 officials appointed by the Government of Sierra Leonean.

Mohamed Haji-Kella, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare said the first batch of pilgrims will depart from Freetown International Airport on Monday 19 June.

He said the second batch will depart the following day for Saudi Arabia.

The annual pilgrimage attracts many Sierra Leonean Muslims who are able to afford the cost.

This year locals are required to pay nearly 6 thousand US Dollars as cost for the entire pilgrimage and ceremony.

Pilgrims from other countries are already in Mecca.

An estimated two million Muslims are expected to perform this year’s pilgrimage.