MAKKAH: The head of the Labor Office in Makkah has assured the public that there are no shortage in seasonal visas. He said that there is currently no ban on visas given annually to companies working in the Haj, Umrah, transport, housing or other commercial sectors.

He said those involved in foul play and fraud have been stamped out thanks to the efforts of the government, adding that inspections will continue of commercial facilities in Makkah to check on the status of all workers.

The Haj Ministry has issued nearly 1.5 million visas to Umrah visitors since the start of the season, according to the undersecretary of the Haj Ministry. So far this season, approximately 1,100,000 have visited the holy places and 700,000 have returned to their home countries.

The Haj Ministry is also preparing to launch a futuristic strategy to allow technology to be used by those on Umrah and Haj pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah and the other holy sights. This will enable those lost to return to the location where they ought to be and to communicate with emergency response teams.