i got a update on 2009 Hajj if any body get any thing else then this please update.
Expats must apply online for Haj
29 May 2009
DOHA - Expatriates planning to go for Haj from Qatar this year will be required to apply online.
Earlier the registration was done through the authorised Haj tour operators (Muqawils). The Haj Committee has decided to do away with this system and introduce online registration from the next Haj season. Applications will now be received through the Haj committee website www.hajj.gov.qa. However, nationals will continue to register with the Muqawils.
Online registration has been introduced to give equal opportunity to all prospective pilgrims and avoid advance bookings. The new system will also help avoid duplications caused by registering with many Muqawils at the same time, Jassim bin Mohammed Al Kubaisi, Vice-Chairman of the Committee said in a press conference.
Registration will begin before the Holy month of Ramadan and the public will be informed about the dates through an official announcement.
"The new system will bring more transparency in the selection process. We had been facing problems due to advance registrations allowed by Muqawils as well as multiple bookings," said Al Kubaisi. Only those expatriates who have been residing in Qatar for at least three years will be eligible to apply. Applications from those who performed the pilgrimage over the past five years will not be accepted. People who are on visit to Qatar are also not eligible to apply. Registration rules will be made available on the Haj Committee website soon.
If the number of applicants outnumbers the available quota, the pilgrims will be picked up through a lot. In the new system, the Muqawils will not be able to choose the pilgrims. On the contrary, the pilgrims will be given three options and they can select the Muqawil they like. Al Kubaisi said Qatar was trying to retain last year's quota of 9,000 pilgrims. Saudi authorities had imposed a major cut in Qatar's quota two years ago, which was again raised last year following demand from higher authorities in Qatar.
"According to an OIC decision taken in 1978, the permitted quota for Qatar is 1,500 pilgrims but we are trying to maintain last year's numbers," said Al Kubaisi.
Asked about the Haj tariffs this year, the official said the global financial crisis had helped stabilise the prices, especially due to a fall in rentals in Saudi Arabia.
i got a update on 2009 Hajj if any body get any thing else then this please update.
Expats must apply online for Haj
29 May 2009
DOHA - Expatriates planning to go for Haj from Qatar this year will be required to apply online.
Earlier the registration was done through the authorised Haj tour operators (Muqawils). The Haj Committee has decided to do away with this system and introduce online registration from the next Haj season. Applications will now be received through the Haj committee website www.hajj.gov.qa. However, nationals will continue to register with the Muqawils.
Online registration has been introduced to give equal opportunity to all prospective pilgrims and avoid advance bookings. The new system will also help avoid duplications caused by registering with many Muqawils at the same time, Jassim bin Mohammed Al Kubaisi, Vice-Chairman of the Committee said in a press conference.
Registration will begin before the Holy month of Ramadan and the public will be informed about the dates through an official announcement.
"The new system will bring more transparency in the selection process. We had been facing problems due to advance registrations allowed by Muqawils as well as multiple bookings," said Al Kubaisi. Only those expatriates who have been residing in Qatar for at least three years will be eligible to apply. Applications from those who performed the pilgrimage over the past five years will not be accepted. People who are on visit to Qatar are also not eligible to apply. Registration rules will be made available on the Haj Committee website soon.
If the number of applicants outnumbers the available quota, the pilgrims will be picked up through a lot. In the new system, the Muqawils will not be able to choose the pilgrims. On the contrary, the pilgrims will be given three options and they can select the Muqawil they like. Al Kubaisi said Qatar was trying to retain last year's quota of 9,000 pilgrims. Saudi authorities had imposed a major cut in Qatar's quota two years ago, which was again raised last year following demand from higher authorities in Qatar.
"According to an OIC decision taken in 1978, the permitted quota for Qatar is 1,500 pilgrims but we are trying to maintain last year's numbers," said Al Kubaisi.
Asked about the Haj tariffs this year, the official said the global financial crisis had helped stabilise the prices, especially due to a fall in rentals in Saudi Arabia.
By Mohammed Iqbal
© The Peninsula 2009
Article originally published by The Peninsula 29-May-09