‘First batch of Jordanian Hajj pilgrims to depart on August 30’

AMMAN — The first caravan of pilgrims performing Hajj (the greater Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca) will depart on August 30, the 26th of Dhul Qadah in the Islamic lunar calendar, Awqaf Minister Wael Arabiyat said on Monday. 

The ministry will dispatch teams of lawyers, technicians, engineers and administrators to Medina and Mecca before the pilgrims’ arrival, and they will ensure that the pilgrims’ accommodation is consistent with the housing promised in their contracts with travel companies. 

Hajj companies are responsible for the pilgrims’ travel and accommodation, which is outlined in contracts between the parties, the minister noted.  

“The ministry’s stance towards pilgrims and Hajj companies is clear... we will not tolerate any shortcomings by the companies regarding Hajj contracts,” Arabiyat said during a meeting held at Al Rai Centre for Studies.

He noted that a decision by Saudi authorities to increase visa application fees for pilgrims would not be applied until the next Hijri year.

According to agreements with Saudi authorities, the number of Jordanian pilgrims granted permits to perform Hajj will increase once expansion work at the Grand Mosque is complete, he added.