MAKKAH: As part of efforts to protect pilgrims from swine flu (H1N1 virus) the Ministry of Haj is closely following all instructions issued by the Ministry of Health meant to stop the spread of the infection, Haj Minster Fouad Al-Farsy said at the end of his inspection of Tawafa organizations in Makkah on Saturday.
“The Haj Ministry informs foreign Haj missions about the instructions it receives from the Ministry of Health on the precautions the pilgrims should take against the H1N1 virus. This is done so that the missions can take measures to guarantee the health and safety of their pilgrims,” Al-Farsy said.
The minister inspected the Tawafa Organizations for Pilgrims from Turkey, Europe, America and Australia, the Tawafa Organization for South Asian Pilgrims and the Tawafa Organization for Non-Arab African Pilgrims and met its officials on Saturday.
Dismissing the suggestion that the number of domestic pilgrims for Umrah would fall considerably due to the fear of the H1N1 virus, Al-Farsy said, “Instead their numbers are expected to rise by approximately 300,000 this year.”
Commenting on a complaint from some building owners in Mina that they had suffered heavy losses because of procedural delays by the Haj Ministry, the minister said a committee was studying the issue and hoped that a settlement would be reached soon.
He denied reports that all Tawafa organizations would have to implement bus services for pilgrims to travel between Makkah and Mina this season.
The minister welcomed investments by Tawafa organizations in projects to improve service to pilgrims.
“I wish that the organizations would emulate the model of the Tawafa Organization for South Asian Pilgrims which is receiving profitable returns from its investments,” the minister said.
He added that his ministry coordinated with all government departments and private establishments to offer the highest level of service to pilgrims. “It is because of this objective that the ministry uses the most advanced technology in all its activities, including the processing of pilgrims’ formalities and the exchange of information with various offices. All Haj-related offices in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah are linked electronically,” the minister said.
He met the Haj missions of various countries to discuss measures that would enhance the comfort and safety of the pilgrims.
