“The ferry service was canceled last year because of poor safety arrangements in the vessels,” said Egyptian Haj Mission Deputy Chief Maj. Gen. Salah Hashim, adding that the Egyptian government has implemented measures to make the travel safer. Anticipating a decline in Haj pilgrims this year, pilgrims who had performed Haj in recent years would be exempted from the limit on repeat Haj visits within a certain number of years.

“There will be two types of draws this year. First is the normal draw from all Haj applications,” he said. “The second draw will be for those who could not go for Haj even though they were selected in the past. Such applicants would not be allowed to transfer their right to others.”

The ministry started receiving applications from Saturday and would continue to accept applications for 17 days. The drawings are scheduled to start on July 9.

The ministry has taken steps to ensure sufficient lodging accommodations for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah well in advance, he said.

Applications for Haj can also be filed on the Egyptian Interior Ministry’s website. An Egyptian applicant for Haj should not be less than 25 at the time of application except in the case of the one accompanying parents.

A woman applicant, if she is less than 45, should be accompanied by her guardian. Ten percent of seats have been allocated to men above 75.