Morocco’s Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, has revealed details of the ongoing preparations for the 1446 AH Hajj season, announcing new organizational measures aimed at improving conditions for Moroccan pilgrims and facilitating their journey to the holy sites.
The minister outlined that preparations involve two main phases: the first being the annual meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and other relevant entities, and the second being the Royal Hajj Committee meeting, which brings together various national sectors involved in organizing the pilgrimage. This committee convened on July 18, 2024, to establish the general framework for the Hajj season in coordination with all relevant institutions and bodies.
Toufiq announced that the official Hajj package price has been set at 65,000 MAD as a lump sum for those traveling under the official organization, aiming to prevent service disruptions experienced in previous years. He noted that a minor adjustment of up to 1,000 MAD might be applied depending on exchange rate fluctuations and other costs, a decision that has sparked widespread debate among prospective pilgrims.
For the upcoming Hajj season, Morocco has been allocated a total of 34,000 pilgrim slots, with 22,400 assigned to the official organization and 11,600 to travel agencies. Each group of 49 pilgrims will have a religious guide and an accompanying staff member to ensure proper supervision and guidance throughout the pilgrimage. Mandatory training sessions for pilgrims will commence in November 2024 across various scientific council offices, with educational programs available in multiple languages and dialects to ensure clear communication.
In coordination with Saudi authorities, the Moroccan ministry held a virtual meeting with officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to review the 1445 season. Another meeting took place at the ministry’s headquarters on October 22, 2024, with representatives from the Tawafa company to discuss accommodation, transportation, catering, and other services for Moroccan pilgrims. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah is currently visiting Morocco as part of the Hajj and Umrah Exhibition and Conference in Jeddah from January 13 to 15. During this visit, an agreement will be signed outlining the arrangements for Moroccan pilgrims, including accommodations, transportation, catering, and services in Mecca, Medina, and the holy sites.
Minister Toufiq emphasized that these arrangements aim to enhance the quality of services provided to Moroccan pilgrims, including reducing waiting times, offering comfortable transportation, improving medical care, and ensuring comprehensive religious guidance throughout their stay in the holy lands. He concluded by affirming that the ministry will continue coordinating with Saudi authorities to monitor organizational preparations and ensure the success of the upcoming Hajj season according to the highest possible standards.
source : fesnews media
فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة