The service and call center for local pilgrims in Jeddah, set up by the Ministry of Haj, activated its services on Monday.
The call center, to be contacted on toll-free number 8002444480, is to help local pilgrims get information on which companies are authorized by the Ministry of Haj to take pilgrims on the holy journey.
The ministry has warned local pilgrims that they will only be allowed to perform Haj with licensed Haj operators and an official permit.
President of AB International Company Mustafa Shabib, who has organized the call center, said the number is already operational and will be available until Haj starts.
“The service offers telephone numbers and the locations of Haj service companies’ main offices as well as branches at the ritual sites. The Ministry of Haj has provided us with a program and a list of the companies authorized to serve local pilgrims,” he said.
He said the center has 20 operators who can provide information in both the Arabic and English language. The call center operates from 8 a.m. to midnight.
According to an advisory issued by the ministry, local pilgrims may perform Haj – alone or with a group – only through a licensed Haj service company.
Every year, the Haj advisory urges pilgrims to ensure that any agreement concluded with a licensed operator states what facilities are guaranteed, especially the space booked in Mina and the transportation arrangements.
The service company can help local pilgrims to get permits by providing the necessary documentation. Pilgrims are urged to avoid using private vehicles.
The advisory warned that those violating the Haj regulations would be penalized. It said a committee had been formed to look into any violations committed by travel agents or Haj operators and recommend appropriate penalties.
Citizens and residents who are planning to perform Haj this year can visit the website of the General Administration for the affairs of local pilgrims at www.localhaj.gov.sa to get more information on Haj operators, including their license number and telephone numbers.
Ministry sets up toll-free number
