Morocco: Saudi Arabia To Announce Hajj Housing, Services Expenses

Ahmed Taoufiq, Morocco’s Minister of Habous and Islamic affairs, has said that his department "expects the Saudi authorities in charge of the Hajj to announce the costs of the pilgrimage which cover the basic services namely accommodation in Mina and Arafat, as well as the costs of additional services."

Rabat – Ahmed Taoufiq, Morocco’s Minister of Habous and Islamic affairs, has said that his department “expects the Saudi authorities in charge of the Hajj to announce the costs of the pilgrimage which cover the basic services namely accommodation in Mina and Arafat, as well as the costs of additional services.”

The minister made the comments after an MP raised the matter of the proper organization of the 2022 pilgrimage during a hearing session at the House of Representatives on Monday.

The Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs will inform the Royal Commission in charge of the pilgrimage of the set costs of the overall cost of pilgrimage, while waiting for the Saudi authorities’ confirmation of the additional expenses.

Saudi Arabia announced on April 18 the layout of the organization of this year’s pilgrimage, introducing a 55% cut of the usual quota for Moroccan pilgrims.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudi commission in charge of the Hajj reported that only fully vaccinated people aged under-65 are allowed to perform the pilgrimage.

According to the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP), Minister Taoufiq held a meeting with the Royal Commission in charge of the pilgrimage on April 21, noting that “a delegation of the Ministry went the same day to Saudi Arabia to prepare the Hajj, especially the accommodation in Mecca and Medina.”

In his comments at the House of Representatives, the minister indicated that his department is working, in coordination with the Ministries of Interior and Health and Social Protection, on the list of Moroccan pilgrims who meet the requirements for this year’s Hajj.

People excluded because of their age condition, or their vaccination status will still retain their right to perform the pilgrimage next year if their condition fulfills the requirements, he added.