Touristic agencies must receive visas before registering omra performers

General Director of the Omra and Haj National Office Cheikh Barbara gave an instruction to touristic agencies in charge of omra and haj seasons to take all the precaution measures to avoid the problems which took place last year.

Barbara ordered the agencies to not receive passports and money from applicants for omra before they obtain visas and determine their number.

“In order to avoid the 2013’s problems in terms of visas and payment, I have the honor to ask you to take in consideration all those issues for the next season, be careful in omra procedures and avoid unsure promises. This means offering the best service for omra performers,” said the instruction.

Barbara told Echorouk agencies should not take money and passeports from applications only after they obtain visas in order to avoid anarchical promises consequence.

Saudi Arabia reduced haj quota due to extension works in Mecca.

Barbara also said visas will be granted starting from mid-January. Vision about the real number of visas allocated for Algeria on Mawlid omra will be clear.

“All it seems that quota will be reduced,” he told Echorouk on Thursday.

The situation of all the agencies which were hit by the reduction will be settled. The problem was solved through coordination between the agencies’ representatives and Saudi operators.

“The agencies should respect their commitments to omra performers in accordance to the new specifications which were launched this year.”

Barbara added that services level was improved compared to previous years while the number of omra performers was reduced to 237,000 compared to 283,000 in 2011.