New Omrah regime guarantees pilgrims' rights, Saudi official

The new regime regulating the Omrah (minor pilgrimage) set forth by Saudi authorities will guarantee to pilgrims the right to get the services for which they pay, said Saudi pilgrimage minister, Iyad Ben Amine Madani.

The official told members of the Moroccan federation of travel agencies in Casablanca Thursday that the new regime was adopted to make up for some flaws in the old regime. He explained that a full-fledged contract defining the rights and duties of each side will be signed between pilgrimage services providers in Saudi Arabia and the countries of origin.

He also said contrary to press reports, the new system will induce a drop in the price of services, which should necessarily include lodging and transportation inside Saudi Arabia. Under the new system, Muslims can perform Omrah as many times as they want and will obtain an entry visa at any Saudi check point.

Moroccan travel agencies complained that the new omrah regime enforced by Saudi authorities will harm their interests as it implies an additional financial burden with the requirement to sign a contract with a local insurance company.