Algeria’s quota from “Mawlid” Omra visas reduced

The Algerian religious affairs minister Sunday said specifications were determined for Omra and Haj next season. Every touristic agency will have to sign convention with pilgrims about services in the holy places.

According to Bouabdallah Ghoulamallah, the new specifications will be launched starting from the Mawlid Omra (the Prophet’s birthday). Pilgrims can choose services quality in return for costs mentioned in the specifications. They have the possibility to lodge complaints against any agency for not keeping their promises.

“The new specifications will be based on services improvement in favor of pilgrims. Allocated quota for Algerian Omra performers on the Mawlid may be reduced,” Ghoulamallah told Echorouk.

The number of Algerian pilgrims is expected to reach 28,800 next year.

Speaking about the last Haj season and a joint ministerial council, the minister said the season was good in view of figures related to the number of lost, dead or ill pilgrims.

“Costs for the next Haj season are expected to be higher as conditions expenses will go up,” he added.