JEDDAH, 14 January 2003 — Hatim Qadi, deputy Haj minister, has said that he expects the number of pilgrims to reach 1.75 million. The minister also told Okaz newspaper that the number of pilgrims overstaying their visas in Saudi Arabia is now much lower than during previous years. The rate stands at 5 percent, compared to a previous high of 12 percent.