MINA, 2 February 2004 — Fifty-three Saudis, graduates of the Institute for Barbers, provided free haircuts and shaves to pilgrims in Mina yesterday. The appointment of the Saudis came as part of efforts by Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed to nationalize the sector and create new job opportunities for Saudi young men. Jamal Bakr Hariri, undersecretary for services at the Makkah Municipality, told Arab News that the appointment of Saudis to provide the service was also aimed at reorganizing in Mina.
‘Illegal’ Pilgrims
Authorities have turned back about 20,000 prospective Saudi and expatriate pilgrims from checkpoints on the roads to Makkah and Mina, according to informed sources. The prospective pilgrims lacked valid Haj permits, the sources said. Inspection of domestic pilgrims going to the holy sites continued until Saturday night.
Sacrificial Animals
Security authorities are questioning officials of 15 companies who are involved in distributing unauthorized receipts worth SR200 for sacrificial sheep. They have also detained some workers who distributed the documents in Mina and Arafat.
More than 700,000 animals, including sheep and camels, are expected to be sacrificed during the Haj season.
