The Prime Minister directs the Ministry of Awqaf to implement fundamental reforms in the Hajj and Umrah sectors.

Prime Minister Calls for Comprehensive Reforms in Hajj and Umrah Services

In a significant move to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience for Yemeni pilgrims, Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Brek has directed the Ministry of Awqaf and Guidance to implement fundamental reforms. These reforms aim to address existing shortcomings and improve service quality while reducing costs for the guests of Allah.

Commitment to Pilgrim Services

During a meeting held today in the temporary capital of Aden, Prime Minister bin Brek emphasized the government’s commitment to serving Yemeni pilgrims. He described this responsibility as sacred, requiring the highest levels of integrity, transparency, and dedication to facilitating the pilgrimage experience. The Prime Minister stressed the need to enhance service levels and minimize the financial burden on pilgrims.

Implementation of Agreed Framework

The Prime Minister also instructed the ministry to execute the agreed-upon framework between the Ministries of Finance and Awqaf. This framework includes a comprehensive review of all organizational, financial, and administrative procedures related to Hajj and Umrah. Additionally, it focuses on monitoring accredited companies and agencies, ensuring fair distribution of opportunities, and activating complaint mechanisms for accountability. He highlighted the importance of simplifying processes for pilgrims and enhancing transparency in registration, supervisor selection, and service distribution, with performance and efficiency as the sole criteria for accountability.

Evaluating the Previous Hajj Season

The meeting also addressed the progress of the upcoming Hajj season for 1446 AH. Participants evaluated the performance and identified shortcomings from the previous season, discussing measures to overcome these issues in the next pilgrimage. The Prime Minister called for efforts to reduce Hajj and Umrah costs while considering Yemen’s unique circumstances, ensuring that service quality remains unaffected.

Collaboration with Hajj Agencies

Prime Minister bin Brek underscored the necessity of making decisions in partnership with Hajj and Umrah agencies, emphasizing their vital role in finding solutions. He encouraged learning from successful experiences in other countries and treating the Hajj and Umrah as public services that require careful planning and fairness. He praised the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving pilgrims, noting their commitment to showcasing the Kingdom’s leadership in the Islamic world.

Addressing Challenges and Future Plans

The Minister of Awqaf and the Undersecretary for Hajj and Umrah presented the main challenges faced during the last Hajj season and proposed suggestions for improving the ministry’s performance moving forward. They expressed their full commitment to implementing the Prime Minister’s directives and working with renewed vigor to align with the government’s priorities during this exceptional phase.

Meeting Attendance

The meeting included the attendance of Dr. Ali Atbush, Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, and Mokhtar Al-Shirahi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance for the Budget Sector.

This initiative marks a crucial step towards enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Yemeni citizens, ensuring that their spiritual journey is both fulfilling and accessible.

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