The Ministry of Labor has granted pilgrim transportation companies 32,854 visas for drivers, mechanics and workers to serve the 20,000-bus fleet transporting pilgrims between holy sites as authorities again lament the lack of Saudi nationals applying for work during the pilgrim season. Marwan Zubaidi of the General Syndicate of Cars (GSC) said that Saudis applying for temporary pilgrim-season work in transportation since positions were announced on Aug. 6 numbered only 76. “The reluctance of Saudis can be put down to the fact that the work is temporary, is tiring and requires long hours,” Zubaidi said. “Many young Saudis also lack the skills required.” A further factor is that the Haj season coincides with holidays when most Saudi drivers take time off, he added. In 2008 Saudis constituted only 7 percent of the Haj transportation workforce, numbering 682 drivers and mechanics. “The recruitment campaign will last until Oct. 24,” Zubaidi said, noting that GSC offices in Makkah and Madina were open to receive applicants.
