Local pilgrims can use a special toll-free number and website to check on the authenticity of companies offering to take them on Haj. This will help prevent them from being cheated and assist the government in cracking down on fraudulent operators. A list of accredited companies will be published on the Ministry of Haj's website next week, according to Mustafa Shbib, president of Aba International. Shbib's company has been contracted by the Ministry to set up the website and telephone service in English and Arabic. “We have already sent a request to the Ministry for an upgraded list of companies that are authorized to book local pilgrims for Haj. As soon as the Ministry provides us with the new list of companies, we will put this information on our website. The authorized toll free number will then be operational and will last until the end of Haj,” he said. “People can call us to confirm the genuineness of the company they want to use to perform Haj. This will help to protect them from being robbed by these fraudulent and bogus companies, which charge a lot but do not provide the right service. There are many companies out there who are not authorized, so people should be wary,” he warned. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Haj has already issued an advisory for local residents going on Haj. This warns pilgrims to make sure that the company provides all the facilities it has promised, including proper accommodation, food and transportation to the holy sites. They have to avoid using private vehicles for transportation. Pilgrims must also make sure that they have the proper documentation, which must be organized by their Haj operator. The website www. localhajj.info will have the full list of accredited companies. It also has other useful information, including details on how to get permits; the rules and regulations of Haj; emergency procedures; and maps of the locations of the various holy sites. The toll-free number is 800-244-4480 and, once activated, will be operational from 10 A.M. to 10 p.m.
