Riyadh: Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfig Al-Rabiah, convened a biannual meeting yesterday during the fifth Hajj Conference and Exhibition with heads of Hajj affairs offices. The gathering, attended by 100 ministers, muftis, and office heads from various Islamic countries, focused on reviewing preparations for the 1447 AH Hajj season and examining the latest regulations and operational procedures for pilgrim services.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the minister expressed gratitude to the Hajj affairs offices for their cooperation and efforts, which significantly contributed to the success of the previous season. He praised the offices that had finalized their contracts early this year and urged others to complete their contractual procedures before the 15th of Rajab 1447 AH. This deadline is crucial to ensure optimal preparation and high-quality services for the pilgrims.
The minister outlined several critical organizational measures for the upcoming period, emphasizing the importance of finalizing contracts for camp services by the 15th of Rajab and accommodations in Mecca and Medina by the 13th of Sha'ban. Hajj visa applications must be submitted before the 1st of Shawwal, with no extensions, alongside reinforcing awareness of holding official pilgrimage permits. Coordinated awareness messages are to be disseminated between ministries and offices to protect pilgrims from exploitation or fraud.
Additionally, a medical fitness certificate, signed by the head of the Hajj office and the medical officer of the delegation, is required before any visa issuance via the Masar electronic platform. Payments for hady and sacrifices must be conducted exclusively through official Hajj offices, in collaboration with the Saudi Project for the exploitation of hady and adahi, prohibiting transactions with unauthorized entities. The 'Nusuk' card is mandatory for access to the Al-Haram Mosque and the Holy Places.
The minister also stressed the importance of registering information of administrative, medical, and media staff, to be completed by the 1st of Rajab, and selecting airlines and booking flight slots by the 15th of Rajab. All financial and administrative transactions are to be conducted via the 'Nusuk Masar' platform.
The Minister of Hajj concluded by reaffirming that these measures are part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of pilgrim services, strengthen coordination with governmental and international bodies, and project the Kingdom's honorable image in its mission to serve pilgrims.