MAKKAH — Dr. Bandar Al-Hajjar, Minister of Haj, has reinstated three mutawwifs (pilgrim guides) who were banned from working with pilgrims during last year's Haj season. Ghaleb Mustafa, head of the Field Office No. 16, Hassan Abdullah Shabraweshi, head of Group 17, and Essam Ahmad Fakieha, head of Group 18, were banned on the basis of a recommendation from the head of the Egyptian Haj Mission. The recommendation was endorsed by directors of the Arab Tawafa Establishment. The mutawwifs appealed to Al-Hajjar, who examined their performance records, which showed they were honored several times for their dedication and hard work in the service of pilgrims throughout their long career. In view of their excellent performance records, the minister ordered their reinstatement. The three mutawwifs have already resumed their duties and started forming teams as part of preparations to provide services to pilgrims coming from a number of Arab countries. The mutawwifs said they never had any doubt they would get justice as the minister immediately formed a fact-finding committee to look into their appeal.
