JEDDAH: In order to stamp out the problem of pilgrims overstaying in the Kingdom, Egyptian Umrah operators have agreed to implement 18 recommendations that were made during a meeting with Saudi Umrah operators in Cairo recently.

It was also agreed to take strict punitive action against companies that violate rules governing pilgrimage in the Kingdom, Al-Madinah newspaper reported. Speaking at a joint press conference following the meeting, Saudi Umrah operators expressed their pleasure at the agreement, saying that if followed religiously the recommendations would put an end to the problem of pilgrims overstaying.

The operators, however, expressed reservations at whether Egyptian Umrah companies will adhere to the rules. The meeting also witnessed a heated exchange of words between the two sides over the issue.

“The two sides agreed to establish permanent coordination and followup committees to address any issues and also set up an operation room with representatives from both sides in Makkah from Shaaban 20 until Shawwal 15 to deal with any problems,” said Rafaat Islami, executive director of Raya Al-Mansour Umrah Services Company.

Islami underscored the need to share information between the two sides, especially with regard to overstayers, and put together a blacklist of agents and middlemen who allow pilgrims to overstay.

Ahmad Ba Joaifar, director of Ibn Thabit Umrah Services Est., said it was agreed to formulate joint programs to enhance cooperation between the two sides for the forthcoming Umrah season. He underlined the need to establish commercial relations between the two sides in accordance with previous agreements.

Osama Al-Ashri, first undersecretary at the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, said the meeting discussed the future of the Umrah industry and the mapping out of a mechanism to ensure operations can remain smooth during the peak season from Shaaban until Ramadan.

“The major problem faced by Egyptian tourism companies pertains to the quota system. Saudi Umrah companies refuse to open the quota system from Shaaban 15 onward. They even decline to disclose the exact number of Umrah visas to be issued to Egyptian companies,” he added.

Al-Ashri, who is also chairman of the Committee for Egyptian Umrah Companies, said it was agreed to address the issue by deciding to work out a mechanism that would lead to specifying the exact number of visas issued to companies.

“This would make it easy for Egyptian companies to proceed with booking hotels and making other preparations for Ramadan,” he said, adding that all of Egypt’s 230 Umrah companies have been instructed not to take the passports of potential Umrah pilgrims before getting prior assurances about the availability of visas. He added that companies that cheat pilgrims will be punished.

He further unveiled plans to launch an awareness campaign entitled “Safe Umrah” under the supervision of Egypt's Grand Mufti Dr. Ali Juma. “The campaign is aimed at raising awareness among people about overstaying and how this harms both Egyptian and Saudi Umrah companies,” he said.

He added that around 10 million Egyptian pounds have been earmarked for the campaign, which will be carried out using the print and electronic media.