Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah warned that there won’t be any leniency in taking stringent punitive measures against domestic and foreign Hajj service providers in the event of committing any negligence or dereliction of duty with regard to rendering the best ever services for the pilgrims. He said this while addressing a meeting of chairmen of boards of directors of domestic and foreign Hajj service providing companies and establishments in Makkah on Monday. The meeting was held as part of the ministry’s ongoing preparations for the upcoming Hajj season.

Al-Rabiah stated that the ministry will be firm in holding negligent companies accountable if any shortcomings or violations are detected, and will not hesitate to impose penalties against negligent companies, which may include permanently cancelling the license of the company, and preventing it from providing services to pilgrims in any way.

During the meeting, the minister reviewed all preparations and discussed detailed matters related to this year's Hajj season. He lauded the careful follow-up of all preparations by the Supreme Hajj Committee, headed by Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif.

The minister extended his thanks to the companies for their efforts and keenness to serve the guests of God. He stressed the ministry's keenness to honor the distinguished and creative companies that offer the excellent services for the pilgrims.

Dr. Al-Rabiah urged the Hajj service providers to continue their diligent follow-up of the services provided to pilgrims, and to harness everything that would enhance comfort and care for the pilgrims with regard to their transportation, accommodation, catering services, guidance and support from the moment of their arrival in the Kingdom until their departure after completion of their lifetime spiritual journey.

The minister stressed the importance of punctuality and adherence to the schedules of the pilgrims’ smooth grouping and transportation between the holy sites and the times of performing the rituals, in addition to contributing significantly to educating and training pilgrims before and during their arrival. He also underlined the need to make aware of pilgrims about the importance of the Nusuk card and their commitment to carrying it to ensure that they obtain services easily and conveniently at all stages of the journey in coordination with the ministry, and offices undertaking Hajj matters. The minister also called on the companies and establishments to take part in the “No Hajj without a permit” campaign to prevent pilgrims without a permit from entering the holy sites.

Al-Rabiah also noted that the ministry's teams will measure compliance based on self-assessment, and the follow-up teams, which will begin their tours of the Hajj service providers starting from Shawwal 10. This is to ensure the operational readiness of the services provided by the companies, and monitoring any shortcomings or negligence that may affect the services provided to the pilgrims.