Saudi Arabia launches e-track system to facilitate Hajj pilgrims

In an attempt to facilitate the travel of Hajj pilgrims from around the world, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has rolled out several smart systems including an electronic tracking system for the external pilgrims. As posted in Saudi Gazette, this e-track system will help the Hajj pilgrims or applicants to choose suitable Hajj packages and allows them to enter e-contracts to avail required services with the companies and agencies.

From the initiation of contracts on housing, traveling and catering of pilgrims during Hajj, to the time of leaving the e-track system will help pilgrims monitor their operations during their stay in the Kingdom. The ministry assures that the system, “allows for transparency and monitor capability to follow up the implementation and the extent of adherence of each party”.

The e-track system also provides an option for payments of contracts to protect the rights of pilgrims. Moreover, the system also enables the process of transferring the Hajj permits requests from e-portal to the systems of the ministry of interior. The ministry is supervising the process themselves, to monitor the process of organizing, scheduling and managing the crowd.

Furthermore, King Salman, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia also launched the Guests of God” service program with over 130 initiatives to provide the best of facilities to all the people who will come to perform Hajj this year.

The general supervisor of the electronic platform for Hajj and Umrah, Abdulrahman Shams said, “Currently, pilgrims who are coming from outside the Kingdom are tied to Hajj and Umrah service-providing companies and agents in their countries. The electronic visas will now be issued to these entities who will be licensed to facilitate Hajj and Umrah in these countries”.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Pakistan has also launched an electronic monitoring system (EMS), a mobile app called “Pak Hajj Muavin” and a mobile SMS service named “Pak Hajj Guide” to resolve the complaints of all the people from Pakistan who will perform Hajj this year.