Pandemic fears keep region's Haj pilgrims away

Manama/Muscat: Plans of thousands of Muslim foreigners who wanted to take advantage of their residence in the region to perform the Haj have been affected by swine flu fears.

In Bahrain, the number of applicants to perform Haj at the end of November has dropped dramatically from 13,500 last year to 7,500.

"Many people have decided to postpone performing the fifth pillar of Islam this year because they are afraid of the flu. Even when health authorities assured them that it was safe, they simply did not believe it and preferred to wait another year," a Haj operator said.

Symbolic gesture

Bahraini Health Minister Dr Faisal Al Hamer was the first Bahraini to get the vaccination in a highly symbolic gesture that has been emulated by hundreds of people over the last one week. But not enough would-be pilgrims followed the example, causing Haj operators to start counting their financial losses this year.

In Oman, almost the same numbers of 16,500 faithful are making the pilgrimage as no quota cut has been imposed by the authorities in Saudi Arabia, according to Shaikh Dr Kahlan Bin Nabhan Al Kharousi, Chairman of the Haj Commission.

"Initially we were expecting around 14,000 but we are seeing a last-minute rush to register. Thus the number could go up," Dr Al Kharousi told Gulf News. He reckons that finally 14,000 citizens and 2,500 expatriates will undertake their journey to the Holy Place in Makkah.

"I have fifty per cent less pilgrims registered through me," said Kamiliya Al Kharousi, who has been sending pilgrims to Makkah for the last nine years.

Vacant spots

In Kuwait, Haj operators are this year in a highly unfamiliar position — working diligently to attract applicants. Up to 2008, they operators sat ensconced in their offices, turning back applicants, both Kuwaitis and expatriates, for lack of seats. But the growing fear of the H1N1 virus has made thousands of people reconsider their plans, causing their numbers to plummet.

In Qatar, Haj operators have enlisted medical staff to travel with them to monitor health conditions of the pilgrims. In keeping with the times, Haj bags this year contain not only booklets about the pilgrimage, but also masks and handwash as precautionary measures.