Ibrahim Shihab Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — More than 62,000 pilgrims from four Arab countries currently witnessing political turmoil and armed conflict are expected to perform Haj this year. Haj Ministry Undersecretary Husain Al-Sharif said the ministry has made adequate preparations to receive pilgrims from the war-torn countries and provide them with services to help them perform their rites in peace and comfort. "We have concluded agreements with the offices of Haj affairs in these countries," he added. According to the ministry's figures, more than 25,000 pilgrims are coming from Iraq, over 19,400 from Yemen, 12,000 from Syria and 6,500 from Libya. "These numbers were within the pilgrim quotas already decided for all countries," Al-Sharif said. According to an official source at the Syrian Haj mission in Makkah, the first flight carrying the Syrian pilgrims is expected to land at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Sept. 10. The source, who opted not to be identified, said the arrival of the Syrian pilgrims will be coordinated by the Supreme Haj Committee of the Syrian National Coalition. “Arrangements were made with Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt to receive the Syrian pilgrims,” he said, adding that Haj visas will be granted to the Syrian pilgrims by the Saudi diplomatic missions in these countries.
