It is all right for the Ministry of Haj to introduce regulations for Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) by domestic pilgrims (Saudis and expatriates) similar to those launched two years ago for Umrah pilgrims from abroad. The increased numbers of Saudis, non-Saudis and their families performing Umrah justifies the move.
Iyad Madani, the minister of Haj, said a system had been established to ensure that all those making Umrah do so through licensed Saudi companies.
It is good to see Umrah being streamlined for both domestic pilgrims and those from outside the Kingdom. This will no doubt facilitate the pilgrims’ movements and their stay in the country. The question, however, is whether the new project is based on the success of the system launched two years ago. Judging by what we see, this does not seem to be the case. Licensed domestic and foreign Umrah firms renege on their commitments and many fail to provide the contracted housing, transport and other services as required.
The changes were made with the expectation that the national economy would benefit from them but this again does not seem to have happened. What has happened is that many Umrah pilgrims continue to squat on pavements and open spaces around the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah; they turn these places into slovenly campsites and rely on handouts of food from various charities and philanthropists. Think of what happened during last Ramadan. Many of those individuals never bothered to check their wallets, let alone their pockets! If they carried wallets at all, did the wallets contain any money?
We don’t object to introducing a new system to streamline domestic Umrah but it would be better to do so after ensuring that the previous system had succeeded and achieved its objectives. Many question the merits of the system at a time when the old one is still being tried and evaluated; the process will surely require several years before a final decision can me made — several years while shortcomings and mistakes are identified and corrected. I add my voice to those urging the ministry not to rush into a new system but rather to wait while the old one is tested and evaluated.
Arab News From the Local Press 5 March 2003
