Toll-Free Number to Check about Haj Operators

Front Page

Monday, 26 November 2007
By Kholood F. Al-Rhamah

JEDDAH - The Ministry of Haj has activated a toll-free number - 8002444480 - to answer inquiries from local pilgrims about Haj service companies. The service will last until the Haj season.

A ministry source said the enquiry service in Arabic and English will help citizens and residents ascertain the efficiency of any locally operating Haj service provider. Last year, many local pilgrims were defrauded when they did not get the Haj services they had paid for.

Some of the companies involved were found to be bogus. Others shuttled pilgrims from one place to another as problems about quality of accommodations and daily meals arose.
The 16-hour-a-day enquiry service offers telephone numbers and locations of Haj services companies' main offices and also branches in the ritual sites.

The following is an advisory for local pilgrims from the Haj ministry:
All local pilgrims - doing Haj alone or with a group - have to perform the Haj through a local, ministry licensed Haj service company.
Call the toll-free number 8002444480 to double check on the Haj service company being considered.

Make sure the type of facilities stated in the agreement with the company, whether it has enough space in the tents, and sufficient transportation.

Pilgrims have to get the Haj permit before setting out for the pilgrimage. The service company can help by providing the necessary documentation.