Jeddah : His Excellency Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, convened a semi-annual meeting yesterday during the fifth Hajj Conference and Exhibition. The meeting brought together over 100 ministers, muftis, and heads of Hajj affairs offices from the Islamic world to discuss preparations for the 1447 AH Hajj season and updates to operational procedures for serving pilgrims.
Dr. Al-Rabiah opened the meeting by expressing gratitude to the Hajj affairs offices for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the previous Hajj season. He praised those who finalized their contracts early and urged remaining offices to complete their contracts before the 15th of Rajab 1447 AH, ensuring timely readiness and exceptional services for the pilgrims.
Key regulatory procedures discussed included:
- Finalizing contracts for camp services by the 15th of Rajab and for accommodation in Makkah and Madinah by the 13th of Sha’ban.
- Issuing Hajj visas before the 1st of Shawwal, emphasizing that extensions will not be permitted, and highlighting the requirement for official permits to perform Hajj.
- Coordinating awareness messages to protect pilgrims from exploitation or deception.
- Mandating a health certificate as a prerequisite for visa issuance, which must be electronically approved via the Masar platform.
- Payments for sacrificial offerings (Hadi and Udhiyah) must be processed only through authorized Hajj Affairs offices.
- Ensuring that the Nusuk card is required for entry to the Grand Mosque and Holy Sites.
- Initiating data entry for administrative, medical, and media personnel to be completed by the 1st of Rajab.
- Finalizing air carrier appointments and transport scheduling for pilgrims before the 15th of Rajab.
- Conducting all financial and administrative transactions through the Nusk Masar platform.
Dr. Al-Rabiah concluded the meeting by reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing service efficiency and integrating with relevant governmental and international entities, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to providing exemplary support to pilgrims and Umrah performers worldwide.
