Hajj Ministry: ready for Coming Hajj Season

Riyadh, January 23, SPA -- The Ministry of Hajj has expressed its
readiness to receive pilgrims worldwide after preparations for the
coming hajj season of 1430H have been made.

In a statement to the Saudi News Agency (SPA), Minister of Hajj, Dr.
Fuad bin Abdulsalam Farsi said the Ministry is devising plans to
implement new measures concerning the new hajj season in coordination
with all concerned sectors.

The new procedures adopted by the Ministry include reducing the rate
of overstaying as well as providing an online service to receive
licensed companies' applications for visas; the service will be
launched on Safar 1st.

Farsi also added that the ministry would keep a strict eye on these
companies to ensure their adherence to the rules and regulations set
by the ministry, noting that violations considerably dropped during
last year's hajj season.