Saudi Arabia Issues Seasonal Permits And Visas For Workers During Hajj Season
In a significant move to enhance the experience for pilgrims and service providers during the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has unveiled an integrated support plan. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), this initiative aims to streamline operations and offer comprehensive assistance to all parties involved in the Hajj.
The MHRSD has introduced the Ajeer Al-Hajj online platform, designed to bridge the gap between establishments and seasonal workers. This innovative platform allows companies to post job vacancies and enables job seekers to find and apply to these positions. To date, 924 establishments have utilized this service, leading to the generation of 11,715 permits, reflecting the platform's effectiveness in meeting the workforce needs during the Hajj season.
Seasonal Work Visas Issuance
To further support the demand for labor, the ministry issued 42,853 seasonal work visas across various professions. These visas are crucial for ensuring that Hajj service providers have the necessary manpower to operate efficiently and provide the best possible experience for pilgrims.
Volunteer Programmes and Awareness Campaigns
In a bid to foster a spirit of community and assistance, the MHRSD has launched volunteer programmes aimed at aiding pilgrims at the holy sites and the Grand Mosque. Volunteers are tasked with distributing essential items such as meals, water, and umbrellas. Additionally, in a collaborative effort with the Makkah and Madinah municipalities, a multilingual awareness campaign has been rolled out. This campaign focuses on educating pilgrims about various risks associated with begging during Hajj and outlines the penalties for such actions.
Children's Hospitality Centres and Sacrificial Services
To ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals with peace of mind, the ministry has established 22 children's hospitality centres in Makkah. These centres, staffed by trained professionals, provide care for children, allowing parents to fully engage in their spiritual journey. Furthermore, the ministry offers a service through the National Donations Platform, enabling pilgrims to authorize another individual to perform the sacrificial slaughter on their behalf. This service, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank and various civil society organizations, simplifies the process of sacrifice and ensures the proper distribution of meat to those in need.
