Sunday, 4 September 2016

Hajj pilgrims' formalities finalised in KSA

Official delegations of 54 states have arrived in KSA to finalise the formalities for Hajj pilgrims around the world for Hajj season 2016 (1437). Agreements have been signed with more than 75 states from the Arab and Islamic world and the Muslim minority states, said the Ministry of Haj & Umra, KSA, either in person or via Haj Affairs Offices.

Coordination with overseas pilgrims is intended to strengthen awareness-building programmes, as well as to develop tafweej schemes through joint workshops organised in conjunction with various Hajj offices and delegations.

The Ministry has shared that 160 nationalities have registered for the Hajj this year. While Iran is not participating in the Hajj this year, the Ministry has emphasised that Iranian pilgrims are welcome to perform the Hajj via other states.

A pilgrim e-tracking system has been successfully implemented and has helped in the streamlining, and acceleration of the mechanism to obtain Hajj visas online, protecting Hajj pilgrims' rights and reducing the overall timeframe required to finalise their arrival.

An e-bracelet system was launched and implemented for the first time among pilgrims to provide easy identification, quick access to crucial data and enable the Ministry to provide appropriate assistance.