Women staff to help pilgrims

(MENAFN- Arab News) The Ministry of Haj plans to employ women in Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah to help process pilgrims arriving for Umrah and Haj, according to an official from the ministry. Abdullah Marghalani, assistant undersecretary and director general of the ministrys branch in Jeddah, also outlined other measures undertaken by the ministry for this years Haj. Thy included allowances for late arrivals, the expansion projects, the reduction in the number of pilgrims, visas for Syrians and security issues. On the employment of women, Marghalani said preparations are under way to set up the branches. "Women will work side by side with men, in accordance with Shariah principles, to help achieve the objectives of the Ministry of Haj." "The women will work on programs for the reception of pilgrims, support all administrative programs, transcription programs, and translation duties." He said he does not expect opposition to the move. "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has given women the opportunity to work in all areas as long as they operate within the teachings and limits of Islamic law." Marghalani said an estimated 1.4 million pilgrims would arrive this year for Haj, which is about 20 percent less than previous years. This was because of the expansion projects taking place in Makkah. A total of 791,425 pilgrims arrived up until end September. He said Saudi Arabian Airlines would be the only airline allowed to transport pilgrims for one day after the Dhul Hijjah 4 deadline for Haj flights. He said the war in Syria has resulted in an 85 percent reduction in the number of pilgrims from that country. Before the crisis, 22,500 visas were issued, but this year only about 3,000 pilgrims are expected.