Saudi Arabia said on Monday it will bar arrivals from abroad from attending Hajj this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, allowing only a limited number of Saudi citizens and residents to make the pilgrimage with social distancing measures in place.

The announcement means this will be the first year in modern times that Muslims from around the world not be allowed to make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which all Muslims aim to perform at least once in their lifetime.

The kingdom halted international passenger flights in March and asked Muslims in March to put Hajj plans on hold until further notice. International arrivals for Umrah pilgrimages have also been suspended until further notice.

"This decision is taken to ensure Hajj is performed in a safe manner from a public health perspective while observing all preventative measures and the necessary social distancing protocols to protect human beings from the risks associated with this pandemic and in accordance with the teachings of Islam in preserving the lives of human beings," the ministry that oversees pilgrimages said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia has 161,005 cases of COVID-19, with 1,307 deaths, following a rise in new infections over the past two weeks. The country now has the most confirmed cases in the Middle East. 

The holiest sites of Islam in Mecca and Medina usually see some 2.5 million pilgrims every year for the weeklong Hajj. Official data show Saudi Arabia earns around 12 billion U.S. dollars a year from Hajj and the lesser year-round pilgrimage known as Umrah.

It could also trigger renewed scrutiny of the Saudi custodianship of Islam's holiest sites — the kingdom's most powerful source of political influence.

A series of deadly disasters over the years, including a 2015 stampede that killed up to 2,300 worshippers, has prompted criticism of the kingdom's management of the Hajj.

A full-scale Hajj, which last year drew about 2.5 million pilgrims, was unlikely after authorities advised Muslims in late March to defer preparations due to the fast-spreading disease.

Earlier this month, Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, emerged as one of the first countries to withdraw from the pilgrimage after pressing Riyadh for clarity, with a minister calling it a "very bitter and difficult decision."

Malaysia, Senegal and Singapore followed suit with similar announcements.

Since late February, the kingdom has suspended the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca due to the outbreak.

(With input from agencies)