Algeria: government intervenes to reduce pilgrimage expenses

Algerian government is going to bear 50 percent of price increase in 2008 pilgrimage season while the remaining 50 percent will be paid by pilgrims, according to Algerian Communication Minister Abderrachid Kerzaza.

• Boukerzaza told journalists the price increase of air transport tickets to Saudi Arabia and renting out is estimated at 70,000 Algerian dinars for each pilgrim. “The government decided to intervene to reduce this increase by bearing 50 percent of the 70,000 DA.”
• The minister added that Pilgrimage National Office is expected to announce details about measures taken by the government to organise 2008 pilgrimage season in the next few days.