Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Domestic pilgrim service companies are telling citizens and expatriates wishing to perform Haj this year that they are full up. Most of these companies closed their offices on the first day of the registration period set by the Ministry of Haj. Citizens told Al-Madinah newspaper that only a few authorized companies were still accepting applicants. Prices differ from one office to another and determined according to the five categories set by the ministry based on how far they have to travel and the level of accommodation, starting with category A (around SR10,000 per person) to category D (SR5,500). Ahmed Al-Bishri, an employee at a domestic pilgrimage office, said a number of offices have closed their registration process early because they are full up. He said most pilgrims registered early to avoid disappointment. Al-Bishri pointed out that their offices in Madinah, Yanbu and Rabigh filled up all their places a few days ago, explaining the majority of people prefer to look for affordable prices and stay close to the holy sites and transport networks. Al-Bishri said their prices would begin at SR8,000 and include three meals daily, accommodation and transportation either by bus or train in addition to air-conditioned facilities. However, a number of applicants for Haj places complained about the high prices these offices were charging, saying they heard about cheaper packages but found there were no more places left even on the starting date for registration. They said they were puzzled how this could happen before the registration period specified by the Ministry of Haj. Abdullah Al-Rabghi was astonished at not being able to find a suitable Haj package after visiting a number of offices on the first day of registration. He said the available places were too expensive because they were at least SR8,000 per person and he needed to find places for 11 people. Another applicant, Fahd Al-Ghamdi, said registration for Haj places was not as easy as it had been in the past, particularly because of the price increase for certain packages. Al-Ghamdi said he had at least five pilgrims traveling with him and the current prices were highly expensive at no less than SR8,000 per person.
