No haj without biometric passport

The Haj and Omra National Office took a set of prevention measures against coronavirus which is spreading in Saudi Arabia in an attempt to protect Algerian omra and haj performers, Echorouk has learnt.

This comes as a series of letters were addressed to the Office warning against the situation in Saudi Arabia and asking Algerian authorities to take practical measures to protect their pilgrims.

Saudi authorities sent a telegram to their Algerian counterparts to explain the spread of coronavirus and its impact on the omra and haj season. They called for taking prevention measures to avoid the fatal virus dangers.

General Director of the Omra and Haj Office Cheikh Barbara Thursday said a set of prevention measures were taken against any danger that may come from the coronavirus.

Barbara said his Office organized prevention and aware-raising operations for Algerian pilgrims regarding the virus.

He added that the Saudi health ministry had warned the Office and asked it to take necessary measures before the season including the submission of health guide of pilgrims and ensuring necessary quantities of medicines.

The Algerian interior ministry said the pilgrims should have biometric passports for this season due to pressures from Saudi Arabia.