MAKKAH: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has rolled out a multifaceted plan to serve pilgrims and Hajj service providers during the 1445 AH Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. According to the SPA, this initiative offers integrated and diverse support for both individuals and establishments involved in Hajj.
The ministry has launched Ajeer Al-Hajj online platform, which connects establishments with seasonal workers during Hajj, the SPA added. Institutions can advertise job vacancies and recruit suitable candidates, while job seekers can browse and apply for these opportunities, it added. Around 924 establishments have already benefited from the service, resulting in the issuance of 11,715 permits.
According to the SPA, the ministry offered seasonal work visas, to meet the workforce demands of Hajj service providers. Around 42,853 seasonal visas were issued, encompassing several professions.
The Ministry has launched volunteer programs for people to assist pilgrims in the holy sites and the Grand Mosque, the SPA maintained. Volunteers will be responsible for assignments such as distributing meals, sun umbrellas, water, and other essential supplies.
In collaboration with the Makkah and Madinah municipalities, the Ministry has also launched a multilingual awareness campaign to educate pilgrims regarding the psychological, social, economic, and security risks linked with begging during Hajj, along with the applicable penalties, the SPA added.
To permit pilgrims to focus on their rituals with peace of mind, the Ministry has also established 22 children’s hospitality centers in Makkah.
The ministry also provides a convenient service for pilgrims to authorize another person to slaughter their sacrificial animal, the SPA added. This service is available through the National Donations Platform, which in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank and civil society organizations, facilitates the sacrifice and distribution of meat to those entitled, the SPA further reported.
