JEDDAH: The Ministry of Haj is gearing up to launch an electronic program for the registration of domestic pilgrims to protect them from some errant companies that might be overcharging them, said an online newspaper.

The ministry is reported to have taken into account the cost of Haj pilgrims that had spiraled to “illogical levels.”

These agencies are also not transparent in terms of their fees, sources say.

Ali bin Mohammad Al-Ghamdi, general patron of public relations and media in the ministry of Haj, said the minister set up a team of specialists from Umm Al-Qura University and King Abdul Aziz University to study and analyze the services of these companies and their fees.

Five service segments have been made after the study. Each segment is designated with costs that would meet the needs of Haj pilgrims.

The ministry organized a meeting, which was attended by Bandar Hajjar, minister of Haj, the Coordination Council of Domestic Pilgrims, and National Committee of Haj and Umrah.

This was followed by several other meetings before taking a final decision in this regard.

The electronic registration program will address the aspirations of the domestic pilgrims in terms of cost-effectiveness and facilities.