Foreign Pilgrims In Difficulty, Saudi Arabian Ministry Of Hajj Finds Alternative Flights

Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz Airport Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Wikimedia Commons/Shah134pk)

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj said it was looking for alternative flights, for pilgrims from Europe and the US who had problems with online portals.

It said the 'urgent solution package' aims to ensure that all those selected for this year's Hajj can perform the pilgrimage where this year's Haj season will begin on July 7, the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that pilgrims from abroad have been able to attend.

The kingdom introduced a new one-stop portal for overseas visitors to apply for Saudi visas and book packages for their pilgrimage.

However, some British Muslims said the portal had caused confusion and the ministry said some pilgrims were facing technical problems.

It said there was limited capacity on flights. The first group of pilgrims from Europe, the United States and Australia arrived on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia's embassy in Britain said authorities were "working tirelessly" to ensure that everyone got a ticket.

The ministry "is working to secure alternative flights and additional seats for pilgrims wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia from the UK, the United States and European countries," he said.

"It also ensures the immediate issuance of visas to enter the kingdom. The ministry is regularly in contact with those affected by the limited seating capacity and technical difficulties experienced by pilgrims using the electronic portal," he continued, quoted by The National News July 1.

It assured that authorities would "follow up on the conditions of pilgrims in the kingdom and abroad, to ensure their arrival is facilitated prior to performing the rituals."

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court announced on Wednesday that the Hajj would begin on July 7, after the crescent moon was seen. Applications for foreign visitors are open from June 10 to June 13.

Visitors from overseas must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus and be under 65 years of age. People who have never performed the pilgrimage before are prioritized in determining prospective pilgrims.