The Ministry of Haj has received 3,700 complaints about bogus Haj companies on its toll-free number set up recently, according to Dr. Fouad Bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsy, Minister of Haj. In an interview with Okaz/Saudi Gazette, the minister said an electronic system has been installed to detect any violations by Haj companies and organizations. The violations are reported and dealt with through the system. The minister added that last year 19,000 Umrah pilgrims failed to go home. This was a remarkable reduction from 2005 when there were 480,000 overstayers. This past season saw an all-time record of over five million pilgrims performing Umrah. Al-Farsy warned that government “will not hesitate” to take strong action against airline companies that fail to stick to arrival and departure times. He said the ministry has 12 Haj programs running this year and is constantly upgrading the technology being used for its activities. Al-Farsy added that all visas are issued based on the directives of the King. __
