We noticed, however, that most of the pilgrims who arrive from these countries are elderly
This follows on from yesterday's post about Russian pilgrims whose numbers have been limited by request, using a ballot system.
Whether they were also restricted by age according to the "rules" is less clear.
It is also worth noting that many pilgrims plan far ahead and spend considerable time saving for the costs of the journey to Saudi Arabia for their hajj pilgrimage. It is perhaps not surprising that many are older people.