The Ministry of Haj has ordered the staff of all Umrah companies to work until the end of Dhul-Qada to ensure that all their registered pilgrims have left the country. It has also warned Umrah companies in Makkah, Madina and Jeddah that they should not close after the middle of Shawwal as some companies did last year. Companies will now have to stay open for 45 days longer than last year. This year, Umrah companies will have to follow up on overstayers and complete procedures for Umrah performers who die or are hospitalized. The companies should keep their doors open so that they can provide the authorities with any information related to Umrah performers and their departure. The ministry said that an Umrah company should provide evidence which shows that all their registered Umrah performers have left the Kingdom. Only then will the company be allowed to close. Each and every Umrah company is requested to submit a report to the ministry at the end of the Umrah season on ways to improve the services provided for the guests of the Grand Mosque. The remarks and suggestions should focus on transportation, housing, arrivals and departures. __
