MUSCAT: The first flight carrying Haj pilgrims to the holy land will leave the Sultanate of Oman on May 23 and return home on June 12, according to the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs.
Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashidi, Head of the Omani Haj Mission, will lead the group with members representing various ministries and the Royal Oman Police (ROP).
As many as 42,000 applicants registered online for the 14,000 seats for this year’s Haj which is expected between May 25 and May 30. However, applications submitted outside the official portal or after the deadline were not considered. The total number of pilgrims comprises 13,500 Omanis, 250 Arab residents and 250 non-Arab residents. The total number of women pilgrims will be around 49.9 per cent while men comprise 50.1 per cent.
The Omani Haj Mission was formed based on Ministerial Decision No 236/2004 which defined its competencies as well.
Speaking to the Observer, a representative from the ministry said that the online registration witnessed an enormous number of people applying for this year’s Haj and many were rejected for lack of supporting documents.
“We received 42,000 applicants this year and this has been on the rise over the last few years. These figures are significant because they indicate the trust that the people reposed in the ministry,” he said.
Priority to perform Haj rituals was given to those who couldn't make it last year, according to him.
“Additionally, high priority is given to those who are chronically ill, and that the priority for those who couldn't make it last year doesn’t amount to guarantee their chance next year,” the official said.
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