Dr. Fuad Abdulsalam Al-Farsy, Minister of Haj told Okaz/Saudi Gazette Wednesday that 1.7 million pilgrims would arrive in the Kingdom to perform this year's Haj. Dr. Al-Farsy made the announcement while inspecting the ministry's offices in Madina and inaugurating a unified electronic housing contract for pilgrims. He pointed out that he revealed the number after it was included in a report submitted to Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister . He said that compared to last year, 70,000 more Umrah visas have been issued this year. In line with preparations and arrangements being made for this year's Haj, he said: “We met with chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the National Establishments for Guides in Madina to explain the operational plan for this year's Haj. As has always been the case, we have seen their readiness and preparedness to serve the Guests of Allah in way that measures up to the leadership's aspirations.” He said the National Establishment for Guides has its operations fully computerized, which will save time and reduce paperwork, the number of people required to perform the tasks and the number of problems. “I can't claim that the e-contract will eliminate all the shortcomings in the sector because still there is a human factor in the process so mistakes cannot be excluded, despite the fact we are making all efforts to overcome any shortcoming,” he said. The system was partially computerized last year, Dr. Al-Farsy added. Regarding his organization's measures to curb abuses committed by some Umrah companies, he said, “I hate to repeat myself even though I can say these companies are doing well because of Prince Naif's great support to the Ministry of Haj in procedures governing the activity of these companies.”
