Haj operators in Bahrain want more time to register pilgrims

Manama: Haj operators have urged the Bahraini authorities to extend a Monday deadline for the registration of pilgrims.

The date does not allow operators to finalise their lists, the operators said.

"The authorities should give us open dates that can stretch until three days before the start of the pilgrimage," Ebrahim Al Sitri, an operator, said.

Bahrain adopted a strict policy with haj operators following complaints sub-standard services.

The justice and Islamic ministry issued a list of officially registered operators serving Bahrainis and non-Bahrainis.

It warned that it would not investigate any complaints from anyone who went or wanted to go to Makkah with an unlicensed operator. Dozens were abandoned and lost their luggage last year when the bus carrying them took back roads to reach Makkah and avoid police checkpoints.