RIYADH (Halbeeg News) – The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has agreed to increase the number of pilgrims from Somalia during the next Hajj season following discussion between the countries.
Saudi minister for Hajj and Umrah, Mohammad Saleh Benten and Somalia minister for religious affairs and endowment, Sheikh Nur Mohamed Hassan on Sunday held talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, the two officials signed an agreement which will see Riyadh to allow the process of extra 2,200 pilgrims from Somalia to perform Hajj in this year’s Islamic calendar.
The kingdom has also agreed to improve the services provided to Somali pilgrims during the hajj season including food, shelter, and transport.
With the implementation of the new deal with Saudi Arabia, the number of Somalis heading for Hajj is expected to increase from 9,300 persons to 11,500.
Issues such as easing visa restrictions for the pilgrims were also discussed during the meeting in Riyadh.
The kingdom of Saudi Arabia had limited the number of Somali citizens performing Hajj when the country plunged into civil war in 1990.
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