MAKKAH: IRFAN MOHAMMED
Thursday 7 February 2013
The Haj Ministry is planning to introduce an electronic data system soon for foreign pilgrims as part of its efforts to boost their security and welfare, says Haj Minister Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Hajjar.
He said the ministry had initially planned to introduce the scheme during the current season but it could not finalize it on time.
Several committees are working on the new project and the ministry is planning to implement it within six months, he told Arab News.
The proposed electronic system will store vital data of pilgrims at each stage, he said.
The new system will also facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims.
The ministry’s efforts are aimed at pushing forward the vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah who is committed to providing the best services to pilgrims.
The Kingdom is spending billions of riyals to boost pilgrim services, said Al-Hajjar.
He urged expatriates residing in the Kingdom to respect national laws and obtain prior approval to perform Haj.
He said unlicensed expatriate pilgrims were creating several problems for authorities here.
The minister said more than a million pilgrims had so far received Umrah visas during the current session that started with the advent of Safar.
He said that introduction of GPS technology in last Haj season has proven successful.
Categories: Asia, Saudi Arabia