JEDDAH: Tawafa organizations, responsible for guiding external pilgrims during the Haj rituals, are facing an acute shortage in the number of translators.

“They do not have the capabilities to recruit more translators, despite the immediate need for them,” said Sa’ad Al Qurashi, head of the Haj Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Translators charge SR5,000 during Haj season, which makes it difficult to recruit the necessary number of translators to service the host of pilgrims of different nationalities and languages. However, other means can be utilized to guide the pilgrims and spread awareness, such as leaflets and books written in different languages,” he added.

Al Qurashi further added that, “Most Haj missions have their own translators, so the Tawafa establishments can carry out their tasks according to their capabilities.”

Translating during Haj is a seasonal job that is not widely popular because it requires the knowledge of several languages, while most Saudis seeking seasonal jobs speak only English as a second language.

Local newspapers reported earlier, that the Minister of Haj, Bandar Al-Hajar has instructed guidance offices to hire translators and have their employees undergo extensive language courses. A Tawafa staff member said most employees working at the Haj service organizations speak the native language of the pilgrims’ group they are responsible for and Arabic.

“Indonesian translators charge lower fees than those who translate European languages, which is simply due to the rules of supply and demand,” according to Sudanese translator Ahmad Salah, who is specialized in French. “The number of translators who speak European languages is very low, with the exception of the English language, in comparison to the abundance of Indian, Indonesian and Filipino language translators, which is therefore reflected in the fee charges.”