By Bobor Dan Kamara
Ministry of Hajj and Umah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has imposed strict restrictions including the exclusion of Embassy staff and other volunteers who have been supporting Presidential Task Force during the Hajj in Arafat, Muzdalifa and Minah.
According to the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the new policy stemmed from some fatalities recorded during the previous Hajj season.
It added that Sierra Leone has been allocated a quota of 2,000 pilgrims with a 1% quota (20 spaces) designated for support staff, excluding staff members of the Embassy and volunteers.
The Embassy said other local support staff are not permitted to accompany Sierra Leonean pilgrims to the three holy sites mentioned for fear of punitive action from the Saudi Authorities .
It said it regretted this development as it is working assiduously to support Sierra Leonean pilgrims during the Hajj in Makkah. It called on Sierra Leonean nationals to be law-abiding throughout the process.
