Recently there was a report in Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper that the Haj minister had presented a proposal to the authorities that would force Saudis and residents to contract with an Umrah service company in order to perform the minor pilgrimage. If the new proposal is implemented, it is likely to cause many problems and complications and it will subsequently affect the Kingdom’s reputation. There have been many complaints about the current Umrah system for foreign pilgrims. The system has so far failed despite statements by the Haj minister and the deputy minister for Umrah affairs. They were the only ones who called the project a success. And if readers can recall the reports and articles published in local newspapers, they surely noticed there were many articles criticizing the Umrah system for foreign pilgrims. In addition to those, we also have heard a number of complaints from Umrah companies within the Kingdom and from pilgrim service agents outside the country. The new proposal made by the minister should be presented to the Shoura Council. Extensive studies should be carried out on the pros and cons, especially practicalities as well as religious and social aspects. In my opinion, a hasty decision on the proposal may create a great deal of confusion and many problems — all of which could be avoided. I am afraid that the proposal will increase the corrupt practices of Umrah companies, prompting expatriate residents to file complaints against the companies to their governments. Subsequently, we will be in an awkward situation receiving criticism from everywhere. This is not the time to create enmity and discontent. There is already a major media campaign against the Kingdom and we should not create new problems to provide still more chances for our enemies to pounce upon us. We should think twice before endorsing such a controversial proposal which is likely to cause anger among the Kingdom’s enemies who would use it as a weapon. I wish the honorable minister would have taken time and studied all details before presenting these proposals to the higher authorities. There is little doubt that the new proposal will complicate the procedures.

While studying such projects, we must consider both positive and negative aspects. We should not make a proposal simply by thinking that it would help our economy, if it will only diminish the duties and mission of the ministry. If the ministry entrusts all these activities to companies, what will be its duties and its mission? We see no justification for such a hasty and unwise proposal.

— Arab News Local Press20 February 2003