Entries now open for 45,000 pilgrims for Hajj 2014

45,000 faithful will be able to take the pilgrimage to Mecca in September. In the context of the participation in this important religious event, the national Hajj Commission met under the chairmanship of the Minister for Territorial Administration and decentralization (Minatd) René Emmanuel Sadi.

The meeting was to assess the preparations for the event. Among the things discussed were issues relating to the date of departure, costs and conditions of carriage as well as accommodation in Mecca and Medina.

However, the deadline for entries has been set for August 11. The airlift for the pilgrims will be provided by the national company Camair-Co. The provisional programme of the flights for the Hajj has fixed departure from 10 to 20 September and the return on 10 to October 20. In his introductory remarks, the Minister René Emmanuel Sadi, Chairman of the National Committee for the Hajj, called for respect for deadlines, taking into account requirements linked to the Saudi authorities and the new electronic visa system.

Passengers will be charged 1 895 000 F, to participate in the pilgrimage in the Holy land. 900,000 F TTC for airfare, and 565 500 F for lodging in Mecca and Medina.

With regards to the Saudi basic services, an amount of 143,700 F would be required. Additional services have been fixed at 97,800 F. Medical and administrative assistance, the commission of the framer and the Bank are estimated respectively at 17 500F, 55 000 F and 15 500 F. In addition, pilgrims must pay 100,000 F as a refundable stipend.

The Minister Réné Emmanuel Sadi made a focus on the empowerment of the national Hajj Commission in the Organization of the Hajj. He additionally urged the members of the Commission to draw on past experience to improve the running of the Hajj 2014.