MINA, 12 January 2006 — Unlicensed barbers faced scrutiny by Health Ministry officials yesterday warning that they pose a risk of spreading diseases, such as Hepatitis and other blood-borne pathogens.
Dr. Yaqoub Al-Mazrou, assistant deputy minister of health, told Arab News that illegal barbers — who are congregating around Jamrat in Mina and the Grand Mosque in Makkah offering head-shaving services — might be putting pilgrims at risk if they use the same razors repeatedly. The risk is exacerbated by the fact that pilgrims come from all over the world, including regions where blood-borne viruses are common.
Mazrou said that the ministry has been conducting public information campaigns every year warning pilgrims of the risk. Makkah officials have tried to curb the phenomenon, but admit that finding unlicensed barbers among the millions of people is very difficult. These razor-welding renegades can be seen providing their services near toilets and water sources.
“The only way to fight them is by educating pilgrims,” said Mazrou, adding that it would also help if illegal barbers were encouraged to use disposable razors.
One Pakistani illegal barber said that he charges SR10 per head. He was wearing his ihram (customary cloth for pilgrimage) while shaving a bleeding head of a customer.
An Indian pilgrim, who didn’t want to give his name, said that he regrets going to an unlicensed barber.
“Those people are crazy. My head aches,” he said.
His reason for using this service was to save time; the lines for licensed barbers are long.
Makkah municipal spokesman Madhi Bahadir said local authorities are fighting this phenomenon by sending inspectors around the holy sites.
“It is very hard to contain illegal barbers, because they move around and hide among pilgrims,” he said.
He noted that the municipality had established 1,200 licensed barber centers near Jamrat. They have also around 60 Saudi student barbers who are participating for the second season in a row.
