Algeria prevents agencies from doing business with Haj and Omra

The Haj and Omra National Office did not allow agencies to market visa freely and to make business with visas with other agencies unauthorized to organize Omra.

This comes as accredited agencies attributed Omra applicants to other unaccredited agencies causing problems.

According to the specifications of the 2015 Mawlid Omra season, agencies must define the nature of coverage with details about offered food for Omra performers.

The agencies also should determine additional services required by Omra performers such as transportation and hotels.

The specifications also oblige agencies to take necessary measures to ensure travels in the best conditions including reception and accompanying.

Agencies must put signs of their logo at the airport and their representatives should wear special outfit. A religious guide must accompany each trip and each 47 Omra performers.

The agencies must issue a card for Omra performers which contain their photo, personal information, hotel address, the Algerian consulate phone number in Jeddah and the agency phone number in Algeria.

The agencies commit to accompany Omra performers when they enter Saudi Arabia and to keep their passport and tickets.

Conformable buses and health care must be available for Omra performers.

Agencies which carry Omra performers on road instead of air travelling will be exposed to sanctions.