“In the 12 guidance centers in Mina, seven in Arafat in addition to one children’s center near Jamarat Bridge, 44 employees of the Haj Ministry and members of the Saudi Scouts Society were working to help pilgrims who lost their way,” Chief of the Guidance Center Waleed Hausawi told Arab News on Wednesday.

The centers started helping pilgrims since last Thursday and were working until Wednesday when all pilgrims left Mina. Their field office in Arafat was opened Friday evening and operated until the end of Saturday, Hausawi said.

“The lost pilgrims were reassured and given fruit juice and refreshments on their arrival at the center. After all details about them are recorded, they were guided to their tents as early as possible,” he said.

However, children were taken to a special shelter and details about them were published so that their guardians could pick them up from there, he said.

“When a child is brought to the center his photo is recorded and is subjected to a medical checkup. His physical description and other details are published by the Scouts Society. The workers also record the details of a guardian when he comes to collect the child. He should also sign a receipt,” he said.

There is another shelter for women pilgrims. On the Arafat Day alone 55,072 pilgrims were guided to their tents and the next day 121,418 pilgrims were taken to their tents.

Three children were yet to find their guardians on Wednesday, according to deputy chairman of the guidance center Khaled Al-Jifri.