Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar on Wednesday visited the Tawafa organizations for South Asian and Iranian pilgrims as part of an inspection tour to get reassured about their preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage.

Hajjar, who was accompanied by senior officials including Deputy Minister Hatim Qadi, met with Raafat bin Ismail Badr, chairman of the Tawafa Organization for South Asian Pilgrims, and its board members.

They discussed the organization’s preparations for 2013 Haj to welcome the guests of God, including arrangements for accommodation and transportation.

Badr briefed the minister on the new measures taken by his organization to improve services for pilgrims with the support of modern technology. He explained the activities of 115 field offices under the organization.

“We have made all arrangements to ensure excellent services to the guests of God to help them perform their religious rituals with peace of mind,” said the chairman.

“We have applied modern technology to enhance our services to pilgrims inside and outside the Kingdom,” Badr said.

At the Tawafa Organization for Iranian Pilgrims, Hajjar held talks with Talal bin Saleh Kutub, chairman of the organization, and its board members. They reviewed the organization’s operation plan for the Haj.

Speaking to reporters after the tour, Hajjar commended the two organizations for their efforts to improve services.

He said the ministry would deploy 300 field teams in Makkah and other holy sites to inspect the services of Tawafa organizations and other Haj service providers.

Hajjar underscored the increasing role of Saudi women in Haj affairs. “They are now involved in administrative and accounting services in addition to supporting pilgrims.”