Around 180,000 pilgrims from the Kingdom are expected to perform Haj this year. The Passport Department started issuing Haj permits for domestic pilgrims on Saturday.

The Dawa Center in Rawdah has offered an eight-day SR1,700 package for singles, which includes three meals a day. The pilgrimage will start from Riyadh on Nov. 3.

According to Moulavi Ramzan from the center, the organization provides an equal subsidy for each pilgrim. Besides the meals, pilgrims will be given accommodation in Mina, transportation between the holy sites and a guide to help them perform the Haj rites properly.

"We have divided the groups according to the language spoken by pilgrims — Tamil, Urdu, Bengali and Tagalog," Ramzan said.

The Dawa groups in Shifa and Dallah have also arranged their own packages ranging from SR1,300 to SR1,500 per pilgrim.

A private group linked to a Haj operator offers SR5,000 per pilgrim for families.

"During the pilgrimage, we will look after all the pilgrims’ needs except the sacrificial slaughter," a spokesman from the group told Arab News, adding that the pilgrims have to spend extra for slaughtering animals. He said those who cannot afford to slaughter an animal could fast for 10 days, 3 days during the Haj and seven days after returning home, in lieu of the sacrifice.

The spokesman said the offer is open both to families and singles who wish to perform the pilgrimage.

He added that the package price has gone up by SR1,000 solely due to the increased cost of accommodation, transport and food expenses. He also said pilgrims would be given an orientation program before their departure to the holy city.

Moulavi Mohamed Basheer said that he charges SR3,800 for the whole pilgrimage, including meals, accommodation, transport including train fares and medical aid when necessary. However, he said pilgrims have to look after their own meals during their travel to and from Makkah. Pilgrims will be ferried to and from Makkah in luxury coaches.

Basheer said similar arrangements have been made for pilgrims who proceed for Haj from Dammam. He pointed out that accommodation for pilgrims would be found in new Mina tents.

Travel operators also process the Haj permits necessary for the pilgrimage. Pilgrims are required to complete the standard forms issued by the Passport Department together with copies of iqama (resident permit), passport, certificate of vaccination against meningitis, employer's consent letter and three photographs.

The package for those who use flights and stay in luxury accommodation, ranges from SR9,000 to SR18,000.

Local pilgrims are allowed to perform Haj once every five years. Interested pilgrims could log into the online service of the Ministry of Interior to check their eligibility to participate in the pilgrimage.

The Saudi government has made arrangements for the pilgrims to offer their animal sacrifice through the Saudi Project for Utilization of Haj Meat in coordination with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

Primary Health Centers throughout the Kingdom will provide the vaccinations against meningitis free of charge to the pilgrims, while private clinics charge as little as SR40 per pilgrim.

Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Khalid Mirghalani said it is advisable to take the vaccination 10 days before their travel to the holy cities for the pilgrimage. The vaccine is valid for three years from the date of injection.