Awqaf minister vows ‘stiff’ measures against violating Hajj companies

Amman: Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Holy Sites, Dr. Mohammad Khalayleh, said the ministry will take "strict" measures against its affiliated Hajj and Umrah companies for any irregularities during the 2024 Hajj season. In this regard, he vowed these firms will be shut down if the ongoing investigations prove their involvement in facilitating accommodation of Jordanian pilgrims and transportation of citizens, who have obtained a visit visa to perform Hajj. According to a ministry statement Thursday, Khalayleh indicated that "preliminary investigations confirmed that intermediaries and fake companies committed fraud and transported Jordanian pilgrims in an irregular manner." The minister added that official investigations are still ongoing into the conditions and circumstances on the travel of Jordanians to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, which caused the death of some citizens. Source: Jordan News Agency