Abdul Aati Hawari, a pilgrim from Alexandria, welcomed the government’s decision to fine overstayers. “This is a very important decision and will ensure the safety of pilgrims,” he said.

Wajdi Ramadan, a university professor, asked the Egyptian government to help its pilgrims to perform Haj easily without difficulties, learning from the experiences of countries like Malaysia.

Hussam Abusulaiman, another pilgrim, said Egyptian authorities should treat pilgrims with respect. “If they provide cell phones to all Egyptian pilgrims like Tunisia it would reduce the number of stranded pilgrims. This is important as most Egyptian pilgrims coming from outside cities are illiterate,” he added.

Tunisian authorities have decided to give mobile phones to each of their pilgrims in order to facilitate their contact with their family and friends as well as the country’s Haj organizers.

“This is happening for the first time in the country’s history,” said an informed source close to the Tunisian Haj mission. “This demonstrates the government’s care for pilgrims,” he pointed out.

The first group of Tunisian pilgrims will reach the Kingdom Monday. Tunisia will send 10,000 pilgrims for Haj this year.

Egyptian pilgrims also expect better services from their government following the Jan. 25 revolution. “We would like to have similar positive changes in pilgrim services as the Tunisians enjoy,” said Hamam Al-Aswani, a travel agent engaged in pilgrim services.

“The government should reduce the number of pilgrims staying in a camp in Mina from 3,500 to 2,000 as instructed by the Saudi authorities,” he said.

Barakat Aburannan, president of Baroon Travel and Tourism Agency, said he hoped the first Haj operation after the revolution would be different from the previous ones.

Previously the services provided to pilgrims were very poor and limited, he said. He also proposed that the Haj guides should be experienced in dealing with pilgrims and their problems.