Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdulfattah Mashatstressed that the Saudi government welcomes Hajj and Umrah pilgrims fromacross the world without any pre-conditions.
In a statement to Asharq Al-Awsat following hismeeting with delegates of Hajj affairs from Islamic countries, he said that theministry conveyed the Kingdom's welcoming of all pilgrims withoutdiscrimination in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two HolyMosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
He added that the meetings determined the totalnumber of pilgrims coming from each country to perform the Hajj this year. Italso specified the number of members of the administrative and medical teamsaccompanying the worshippers.
Mashat noted that side meetings were heldbetween the delegates and some parties such as tawaf institutions, General CarsSyndicate, General Authority of Civil Aviation, Al Zamazameh Unified Office,United Agents Office and a number of service providers to pilgrims.
Commenting on the decision to cancel fees forrepeating the Umrah, he described it as wise, saying it reflects theKingdom's keenness to facilitate the Muslims' arrival from all over the worldto Makkah and Madinah.
