Saudi minister rules out increase in Haj quota

Makkah: Saudi Minister of Haj Dr Fouad Bin Abdul Salam Al Farsi has denied that there will be an increase in the quota of pilgrims visiting Makkah for any country this year.

The announcement came from a Press Conference held on Sunday in which Dr Al Farsi noted that the increase in pilgrims each year has been the biggest challenge for Haj organisers.

The UAE and Qatar among other GCC countries have frequently sought to increase the quota for pilgrims in their respective countries. The UAE quota for this year's Haj is estimated at 6228, according to the UAE High Haj Committee.

Al Farsi added that the Ministry of Haj would abide by the quotas specified at a meeting held years ago in Amman by the foreign ministers of the Islamic countries.

"From time to time countries with large populations ask to increase their quotas, but we have to abide by the decision agreed upon by the Islamic foreign ministers," he said.

Al Farsi also urged all countries to speed up the finalisation of all procedures related to their pilgrims such as accommodations, travel and other services.

Strict controls

Al Farsi warned establishments responsible for Haj services against exploitation of pilgrims' needs saying there would be severe penalties associated if any group or individual is found guilty of such actions. Strict controls have been set up in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the governorates to punish any Haj companies which fail to provide adequate service.