Director of Hajj Affairs: 1200 Pilgrims to Perform Hajj This Year and We Seek Quota Increase

Doha, May 29 (QNA) - There were no changes in Qatar's quota of Haj pilgrims this year 1437 AH, amounting to 1200 pilgrims, and there were ongoing efforts to raise the quota, Director of the Hajj and Umrah Affairs Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Ali Sultan Al Mesaifri said. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Director of Hajj Affairs said that the number of applicants for Hajj this year amounted to nearly 18 thousand and 400 of Qataris and residents, but the state's quota is still 1200 pilgrims due to the ongoing expansion operations of Al-Haram, however, there is hope to raise the quota but so far nothing new, and hopefully the quota will be increased due to the large turnout. He announced that selection process has been completed for the applicants who meet the conditions. The approved applicants were informed via text messages, were given one week to choose and register for a campaign, warning that the applicant will be automatically eliminated in the event of failure to register within the period granted. Regarding the number of licensed campaigns this year, he pointed out that the number reached 27 Hajj campaigns, 16 by air and 11 by land. However, the campaign can leave only if the number of applicants reached 50. Speaking about the new instructions of the Saudi Hajj authorities, he stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to annually provide all Hajj missions in all countries with the new instructions and procedures that are always in the interest of the pilgrims and their safety and security. He said that the Hajj Affairs Department held a meeting with owners of the campaigns and informed them about the new instructions and listened to their suggestions, noting that another meeting will be held soon to discuss the final arrangements for this season. The Director of Hajj Affairs commended the campaigns' cooperation with the Ministry and their response to all instructions, and their commitment to provide quality services and all means of comfort to the pilgrims. He also praised the Hajj authorities in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their great cooperation with the Qatari Hajj Mission, and their eagerness to serve the pilgrims and facilitate the performance of their rituals easily and smoothly, stressing continuous communication with them to serve the pilgrims. Concluding, the Hajj Affairs Directors reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment create all the conditions and provide all means to ensure the security, safety and comfort for the pilgrims in implementation the directives of Qatar's wise leadership, noting that the Department of Umrah and Hajj Affairs is developing its work constantly and is upgrading its means and mechanisms of action taking advantage of modern techniques in order to ensure an appropriate atmosphere for pilgrims since their departure to the holy land until they return home. (QNA)