JEDDAH, 20 February — With the expiration of deadline to apply for Haj permits yesterday, tawafa establishments for domestic pilgrims in Jeddah set rates ranging from SR1,400 to SR3,500 per person for transportation and accommodation of pilgrims for four nights.
Expatriates from various parts of the Kingdom wishing to perform the pilgrimage had until yesterday to submit applications for Haj permits to enter Makkah. The deadline for Saudi nationals was extended until Feb. 26.
This year the standing at Arafat which marks the peak of the pilgrimage is likely to fall on March 4.
The authorities have asked both Saudis and expatriates to obtain permits before proceeding on Haj and not to repeat the religious duty within five years. The Passport Department has warned that those without permits will be refused entry to Makkah and be turned back from highway checkpoints en route to the city.
Many people have complained of the high rates charged by tawafa firms but the establishments say the services they provide justify the cost, some in excess of SR5,000.
"In the beginning we set a rate of SR2,500 per person covering transportation, accommodation and food, but we have reduced the price to SR2,200. We think this is reasonable," said one agent.
He said the change in cost does not mean a reduction in the services offered and pledged that pilgrims who already paid the SR2,500 would be refunded the difference.
Another agent said their rate of SR2,800 "is low compared with last year when we charged SR3,500 per person. "
Twafa offices contacted said they are not offering family packages and instead treat applicants individually. Children requiring separate bus seats are charged as full-fare adults. "If the children can sit on their parents' lap during the journey, we consider them to be small and exempt from paying," said one agent.
Usually there are three categories of contracts with rates varying according to the services offered and proximity to ritual sites such as Jamrat. Under category C, the pilgrim may be required to pay SR1,400.
