Qatar expects significant increase in Haj quota for pilgrims from Qatar this year, following an announcement by the Saudi authorities in this regard, an official has said.
Over the past four years, quota allowed for all the countries was reduced by about 20 percent due to expansion projects at the Grand Mosque of Makkah.
"An increase in the Haj quota is expected in line with announcement of Saudi authorities about raising the capacity for accommodating more pilgrims from this year. We are waiting for an official announcement in this regard,” said Ali bin Sultan Al Mesaifir, Head of Haj and Omra Affairs Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
More than 10,800 people have applied in the first week, since registration of aspiring pilgrims started early this month. Registration will continue until the end of this month, he added.
“More applications are expected this year compared to last year when 18,000 requests were received," said Al Mesaifir.
Applications will be screened in mid-April to check whether they meet the terms and conditions. The applicants will be notified through text messages and e-mails.
Candidates have been asked to provide complete and accurate information because requests with missing information will be rejected. Grievances are not accepted after scrutinising the applications.
All procedures like registration with tour operators, announcement of details about accommodation would be completed before the month of Ramadan.
The online registration system is working smoothly this year despite the huge number of applications, said the official.
Registration service is available at the Ministry website www.hajj.gov.qa in Arabic and English. The deadline for receiving application is March 30.
The Saudi Authorities have upgraded the system to ease the procedures for this year.
Haj visa will be issued online and the tour operators will be allowed to print the visas at their offices. They are not required to send passports to the Saudi embassy for printing visas.
