I am currently in Saudi Arabia for pilgri- mage on a three-month visit visa. I have observed that the Saudi government has granted visit visa to all those who have come for pilgrimage. Officially, about 90 million people, including Saudi nationals, are undertaking pilgrimage this Ramazan.
As a result of such huge crowds, the General Presidency of Harmain has imposed a lot of restrictions on people’s movement. Owing to these restrictions, those who are above 50 years of age have to make do with a position at the back of every queue, and remain deprived of a chance to feel the spirituality of the two holy mosques.
The Saudi government needs to review its policy of granting so many visas as it makes managing crowds impossible. People apply for Haj and they go for the pilgrimage if they are successful after balloting. A similar registration process needs to be initiated for Umrah during Ramazan to avoid such huge crowds.
MAZHAR YOUSUF ANSARI
MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA
