Despite the large numbers of people and a two-hour breakdown of its computer system, the Passports Department managed to deal with all those needing help on Tuesday, the last working day before the Eid holidays. The system's failure forced Brigadier Salim Al-Zahrani, Director of Passports in the Makkah Region, to leave his office and tour all the terminals at the Passports Department to help service seekers and listen to their complaints. His presence at the terminals encouraged his staff to finish all the transactions of services seekers, who expressed their thanks and appreciation for their efforts. Al-Zahrani accused a contractor, working near to the Passports Department office building, for the two-hour computer crash and disconnection of telephone services. Al-Zahrani also blamed service seekers for the rush, arguing that many should have processed their visas several days ago, instead of waiting for the last day.
