Abu Dhabi, August 08: Haj operators will have until November 3 (Zul Haj 15) to submit the list of pilgrims in CDs along with photographs to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment (GAIAA).
Mohammed Obaid Al Mazrouei, chairman of the Haj mission and executive director of GAIAA, urged the pilgrims to register early as procedures could take up to 15 days.
“A copy of the pilgrim’s passport will be sent to Saudi Arabia to get security clearance,” he said.
The authority has instructed the operators to rent extra housing units in case the need to isolate pilgrims arises due to unforeseen reasons.
Travel restrictions will be implemented on seniors, the ill and those under 12 years because of swine flu concerns. The instructions also require the personal presence of Haj promoters to be with his group.
“Representatives will not be accepted even if they are UAE nationals,” he said, adding violation of rules would be liable to a fine of Dh50,000.
September 10 (Ramadan 20) has been fixed as the deadline for operators to withdraw the name of pilgrims.
Withdrawal after the deadline will invite penalties, including cancellation of the register and a fine of Dh20,000.
–Agencies