Pilgrims must leave by Muharram 15

22 October 2011

JEDDAH — To prevent overstaying in the Kingdom, airlines will have to provide financial guarantees that they will transport Haj pilgrims to their home countries by Muharram 15, 1433H (approximately Dec. 10, 2011), Dr. Fuad Bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsy, Minister of Haj, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette Thursday.

He said this measure will be implemented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) because it is the body responsible for air transport. The measure was recommended by committees consisting of several authorities, including the Ministry of Haj.

Speaking at the sixth workshop held to organize and manage stoning of the Jamarat this Haj, Al-Farsy said his ministry has made all the necessary preparations for pilgrims to perform Haj from countries undergoing political upheavals and changes in their regulations. Pilgrims from these countries, which include Egypt and Tunisia, have already arrived in the Kingdom. In addition, a memorandum has been signed for the passage of Libyan pilgrims.

The minister said 1.8 million pilgrims are expected to come for Haj this year.

Al-Farsy urged domestic pilgrim companies to set aside a percentage of their allocation for the Facilitated Haj (Al-Haj Al-Muyassar) Program, launched by the ministry two years ago. The program is being monitored by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region.

Meanwhile, Dr. Habib Bin Zain Al-Abideen, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs for Development, said there are plans to set up toilets and service centers in the towers of the Jamarat Bridge for emergency cases.

Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Qarni, Commander of the Civil Defense forces in Haj, presented a working paper highlighting the plans and programs approved by the Directorate of Civil Defense for the Haj season. The emergency forces presented a working paper on plans for crowd management at the Jamarat Bridge and other emergencies.

Participants at the workshop included Public Security, Traffic Department, Presidency of Meteorology and Environment, Ministry of Transport, Makkah Mayoralty, Zamazima Office, United Agencies Office, General Cars Syndicate, Domestic Pilgrims’ Tawafa Establishment, and Tawafa establishments for pilgrims from Southeast Asia, Africa, Arab countries, Europe and America.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index...20111022110967