The Haj Ministry is planning to introduce an electronic data system soon for foreign pilgrims as part of its efforts to boost their security and welfare, says Haj Minister Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Hajjar.
He said the ministry had initially planned to introduce the scheme during the current season but it could not finalize it on time.
Several committees are working on the new project and the ministry is planning to implement it within six months, he told Arab News.
The proposed electronic system will store vital data of pilgrims at each stage, he said.
The new system will also facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims.
The ministry’s efforts are aimed at pushing forward the vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah who is committed to providing the best services to pilgrims.
The Kingdom is spending billions of riyals to boost pilgrim services, said Al-Hajjar.
He urged expatriates residing in the Kingdom to respect national laws and obtain prior approval to perform Haj.
He said unlicensed expatriate pilgrims were creating several problems for authorities here.
The minister said more than a million pilgrims had so far received Umrah visas during the current session that started with the advent of Safar.
He said that introduction of GPS technology in last Haj season has proven successful.
While addressing a workshop on use of Information Technology in Haj operations on Wednesday, the minister said that Civil Defense, police, presidencies of the Holy Mosques, Saudi Post and National Establishment for Haj have recognized the importance of technology to aid the faithful.
He said that with the use of available technology, the ministry intends to serve Hajis with a more planned approach.
Sahal Bin Abdallah Al-Saban, general supervisor for Transportation and Projects in the Haj Ministry, said
that in last year’s Haj, 6,670 locations were used by GPS by the ministry. Based on the GPS system information, 14 zones were classified for Hajis.
He also said that satellite pictures also were obtained to monitor pilgrim movement to facilitate smooth transportation in various holy sites in Makkah.
Abdulaziz Wazzan of Saudi Post displayed at the workshop digital maps and address systems using GPS technology. Col. Walid Abu Shanab of Civil Defense Authority in Makkah explained the usage of technology in their operations.
Waleed Mullah, of King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology, explained the capabilities to assist government agencies to help pilgrims by using technology.
Al-Hajar said that all government offices not related with Haj ministry are moving from the holy places in
Makkah. He said that in order to bring reforms that suit best the interests of pilgrims ministry is initiated series of reforms with private Haj establishments.
He invited government and private sectors to improve the Haj services in best way to serve the pilgrims. He said that the Umrah season has
started and is expected to reach its peak in Ramadan. He expected an average of 400,000 visas per month for Umrah pilgrims. Last year, 5.5 million pilgrims from abroad preformed the Umrah.
The blueprint and Haj plan for this year will be implemented within three months and involve representatives from more than 70 countries.
