MAKKAH, 25 January 2005 — The Ministry of Haj assigned a new local Haj company to look after more than 2,700 pilgrims after another company, which brought them, was found wanting in providing proper services and for failing to deliver on its promises.
Dr. Essa Abu Ras, Haj supervisor, said that the local company violated the contract and lied to pilgrims and did not provide them with the services it promised them.
A special committee formed by Ministry of Haj, Interior Ministry and the Makkah Governorate ordered to switch the care of 2,700 pilgrims to another local company and ordered the errant company to refund pilgrims their expenses.
Dr. Abu Ras said this was the only company that violated the contract toward their pilgrims.
Meanwhile, observation committees, a part of the Ministry of Haj, revealed to Al-Watan that 150 fake Haj offices were detected inside the Kingdom. These fake offices used official company license convincing pilgrims that they were part of Haj companies. Because of this problem, many pilgrims were left in the holy sites without food and shelter. The Ministry of Haj is investigating the issue.
Sameer Bahamdeen, working in Haj Company, told Arab News that there were many pilgrims left without homes in Mina because of these fake offices.
He said, “This is a problem that we face every year. In Mina, many pilgrims are left squatting under the bridge or roads. This is theft and such criminals should be arrested. Pilgrims should make sure that such companies are licensed by the Haj Ministry to provide services. Part of the problem is pilgrims themselves. The ministry next year should focus more on increasing awareness among pilgrims about fake companies to make sure that it will not be repeated again”.
