The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MoARA) has called on all Haj pilgrims to strictly comply with the official Haj permit system, underscoring its importance in facilitating smooth movement of both vehicles and pedestrians during the pilgrimage. The ministry emphasized that undertaking Haj without a valid permit is prohibited and subject to severe legal penalties.

According to a ministry spokesperson, who referenced information from the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah, the permit system plays a vital role in evenly distributing pilgrims across designated camps and pilgrimage sites. This distribution aims to prevent overcrowding and maintain operational balance amid the large influx of worshippers each year. The spokesperson added that adherence to these regulations exemplifies civic responsibility, enhancing safety and security, while noncompliance risks disruption of operational plans and affecting service quality for all pilgrims.

Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashidi, the Head of the Omani Haj Mission, will lead the official delegation, which includes representatives from various government ministries and the Royal Oman Police (ROP). The ministry announced that the first group of Omani pilgrims is scheduled to depart on May 23, with return flights planned for June 12.

The ministry also cautioned pilgrims about unlicensed Haj campaigns that exploit prospective pilgrims’ religious aspirations. These fraudulent schemes, often promoted through social media platforms offering unusually low prices for Haj services, lack official approval and may lead to financial losses. Ongoing international coordination efforts have been undertaken to ensure that pilgrims receive accurate information and guidance in their respective countries.

For this year’s Haj season, the ministry reported receiving 42,000 online applications for 14,000 available slots. Of these, 13,500 are Omanis, alongside 250 Arab residents and 250 non-Arab residents. Prospective pilgrims have been advised to verify the authenticity of their Haj permits before making any financial commitments or travel arrangements to avoid falling victim to scams.

The ministry’s statements highlight the importance of collective cooperation among pilgrims and officials to ensure a safe, orderly, and successful Haj season amid continued challenges related to crowd management and security.