Hajjar: Hi-tech monitoring systems reduced number of Umrah defaulters

The Haj Ministry has introduced high-tech monitoring systems to track down and punish violators, said Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar. “We have installed advanced systems at pilgrim locations to monitor services in order to make them feel they are taken care of properly,” the minister said.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting Umrah services in Makkah, he said special committees have been set up to supervise housing facilities for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah as well as to monitor services being extended by Umrah service companies.
“Our officials have guided nearly 25,000 stranded pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah and handed them over to Umrah service companies,” he said.
Hajjar said the ministry’s monitoring systems were instrumental in improving services being extended to pilgrims. “As a result, the number of defaulters decreased during this Umrah season compared to previous years,” he added.
He said the ministry’s plan for this Umrah season was going forward successfully with the support of other government departments. More than 4.8 million pilgrims have already performed Umrah this year.
Hajjar commended the role of security forces in maintaining law and order in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and ensuring the safety of pilgrims.
“The Saudi government has been mobilizing its human and material resources to improve its services to the guests of God,” he said.
The minister inspected the various service centers in Makkah, especially for stranded pilgrims, attending complaints of pilgrims and solving their problems.