At least, 1.2 million pilgrims from various countries around the world have arrived the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage.
The supreme council of Islamic affairs has announced Saturday 15th June, 2024 a day of Arafah, the most significant moment of hajj ritual where the entire pilgrims converge to observe prayers.
Addressing a press conference in the capital city of Riyadh, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said all stages of documentation for pilgrims’ smooth entrance into the Kingdom for the pilgrimage have been perfected.
Al-Rabiah emphasized the commitment of the leadership of the two holy mosques to ease pilgrims arrival and subsequent comfort during the spiritual exercise remain top priority of the ministry. The Minister however appealed to pilgrims to adhering to regulations and instructions during their stay to ensure comprehensive service for all pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has airlifted more than 95 percent conventional pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, while targeting to complete the entire process by Sunday.
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Al-Rabiah noted the ministry’s plan to unveiling a global campaign and awareness creation against the dangers of violating Hajj regulations, fake campaigns, and electronic fraud practices. This was just as he re-emphasized Saudi’s zero tolerance to hajj without permit slogan, adding that violators risk stiffer penalties.
“We have taken measures to select companies specialized in hospitality with distinguished expertise and strong financial capabilities,” Al-Rabiah said.
“Previously, pilgrims from Europe, America, and countries without organized Hajj delegations faced issues with services arranged through tourism offices in these countries, affecting their experiences, the prices, and the services provided.
“Additionally, some pilgrims became victims of fraudulent practices. Since 1443 AH, we have organized applications for pilgrims from these regions, initially covering Europe and America, wherein applications are submitted electronically, directly without resorting to middlemen or tourism offices to ensure that pilgrims receive the agreed upon services. Last year, we expanded further, going from covering 67 countries to 126 countries.”
“To enhance the efficiency of workers within the Hajj system, Al-Rabiah explained that over the past months, more than 120,000 workers and leaders of pilgrim groups have undergone training.
“Over 2,500 training workshops have been conducted in multiple languages within the Kingdom and 10 more internationally. He underlined that Saudi Arabia has harnessed and mobilized all resources to ensure the success of Hajj 1445 AH”.