JEDDAH: The Ministry of Haj and Umrah has started implementing its strategic plan, in cooperation with other departments, to increase the number of Umrah pilgrims to 30 million per year, as part of Vision 2030, said an official.
Among the various measures to be taken to achieve the goal are rules and regulations for Haj and Umrah firms to ensure that the pilgrims do not overstay their visa, Hatim Qadi, spokesman the ministry, told local media.
“There would be strict monitoring and action against this. Last year, the number of those who delayed and stayed back was not recorded properly,” he said.
He said that only licensed Haj and Umrah companies can enter into contracts with their partners abroad. They have to ensure that the pilgrims leave the country in the stipulated timeframe as the system would close down automatically for the companies. “The development of the entire Haj and Umrah service system is the basic part of the efforts of real transformation aimed at streamlining the Haj and Umrah services.”
He said that for the comfort of visitors and pilgrims, projects such as the expansion of King Abdulaziz airport, mataf and the holy mosque are under way. “The Al-Harmain and Al-Mashaer railways would also be operational. An increased number of teams working in the service of pilgrims and visitors would be deployed.”
Qadi said the companies found violating the norms, especially visa rules, will be closed down. “These companies would have to pay money to ensure that pilgrims go back to their countries. These companies will also be blacklisted and banned,” he added.
Among the various measures to be taken to achieve the goal are rules and regulations for Haj and Umrah firms to ensure that the pilgrims do not overstay their visa, Hatim Qadi, spokesman the ministry, told local media.
“There would be strict monitoring and action against this. Last year, the number of those who delayed and stayed back was not recorded properly,” he said.
He said that only licensed Haj and Umrah companies can enter into contracts with their partners abroad. They have to ensure that the pilgrims leave the country in the stipulated timeframe as the system would close down automatically for the companies. “The development of the entire Haj and Umrah service system is the basic part of the efforts of real transformation aimed at streamlining the Haj and Umrah services.”
He said that for the comfort of visitors and pilgrims, projects such as the expansion of King Abdulaziz airport, mataf and the holy mosque are under way. “The Al-Harmain and Al-Mashaer railways would also be operational. An increased number of teams working in the service of pilgrims and visitors would be deployed.”
Qadi said the companies found violating the norms, especially visa rules, will be closed down. “These companies would have to pay money to ensure that pilgrims go back to their countries. These companies will also be blacklisted and banned,” he added.
