MAKKAH – Ten Tawafa guides have been suspended and referred to the Ministry of Haj's investigation department for failing to perform their duties properly. The ministry replaced the suspended guides. Abdul Rahman Al-Nefaee, executive chairman of the field monitoring committees at the ministry, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that over 10,000 violations have been discovered over the last two weeks. He also said 90 percent of the violations have been dealt with and the violators have been reminded of the importance of observing the Haj rules and regulations. He added: “We have 300 officials who inspect and monitor the services provided by Tawafa guides to over 1.7 million pilgrims in the holy sites. We also have undercover agents who go inside Haj camps and monitor services.” Al-Nefaee dismissed claims that Haj monitoring committees sometimes overlook the violations committed by Tawafa establishments as a way of doing them a favor. “We're strict with everyone who fail to serve pilgrims properly and we'll deal with all negligent Tawafa guides or establishments.” Al-Nefaee said Bandar Al-Hajjar, Minister of Haj, has instructed violators be dealt with sternly and promptly.
