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Hajj operators exempted from IATA registration
ISLAMABAD: The Saudi authorities have exempted Pakistani Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) from mandatory registration with International Air Traffic Organization (IATA) for an initial term of two years.Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi made this announcement while talking to Geo News after his weeklong official visit to Saudi Arabia here Tuesday.
During his stay, the minister discussed the arrangements for Hajj-2010 with the concerned Saudi authorities.
"The Saudi government has relaxed its policy by exempting registration of Pakistani Private Tour Operators with IATA for two years," he said.
Kazmi said Saudi Arabia has accepted Pakistani demands for provision of maximum facilities to the Pakistani Hujjaj under the government scheme in the coming season at Mina and Arafat.
During the visit, the delegation also held a meeting with Adnan Katib, Chairman of Mossisa for South Asia, an organization of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dealing with Hujjaj coming from South Asia.
The minister said, the chairman agreed to accommodate Pakistani pilgrims in old Mina, who would perform Hajj under the government scheme this year.
"The Chairman also promised to set up their 'Maktabs' and provide 'Khaimas' (camps) adjacent to Pakistani groups of Hujjaj in order to facilitate them to have a close liaison and easy communication with each other," he added.
Kazmi said the organization would accommodate 16 Pakistani pilgrims in a camp and provide them two-time meal during their stay in Mina and Arafat.
"It would charge 200 Saudi Rial extra per head for providing these facilities to the Pakistani Hujjaj," the minister maintained.
Courtesy www.Geo.tv