Haj Ministry studies options to reallocate Mina camps

The Ministry of Haj is considering options to reallocate tent-camp spaces for domestic Haj companies in Mina in the light of the decision to reduce the number of domestic pilgrims by 50 percent given the ongoing Mataf-area expansion in Makkah.
Local press reported that the ministry has two choices. The first is to integrate companies in a single camp, a procedure the ministry applied 10 years ago. This proved to have negative effects, leading to many problems between domestic Haj companies, some of which had to be settled in court.
Director General of domestic pilgrims’ affairs, Fayez Al-Barakait, said the ministry does not want to revert to the integrated approach, because of the many negative effects of the first experience.
The second choice is to choose a limited number of companies that suits the 70,000 to 80,000 expected domestic pilgrims who want to perform Haj this year. This option, however, would deprive some companies from working during Haj and cause them losses. This might make them file lawsuits against the ministry demanding financial compensation. However, the ministry is thoroughly studying a number of options aimed at limiting losses as much as possible.
Former Chairman of the national committee for Haj and Umrah, Sa’ad bin Jamil Al-Qurashi, said the 241 licensed domestic Haj companies are still awaiting the decision of the ministry about the allocation mechanisms. When they are issued, affected companies will take the necessary procedures to maintain their rights, he said.
Al-Qurashi said companies are demanding that every company be allowed to reduce its pilgrims by 50 percent and participate in serving pilgrims. Every year the ministry allocates camps to accommodate 70 percent of each companies’ pilgrims. Rumors indicate that ministry will decide to implement the 50 percent reduction on those 70 percent.