Preparations for the Hajj 2015 launched

The national organization commission held its 27th session on January 28, 2015 in Yaounde. René Emmanuel Sadi, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Chairman of the National Committee of Hajj was at the helm of affairs at this session.

The meeting which was held in the Conference Room of his Department was primarily an evaluative meeting of the Hajj expedition of 2014. The Minister opened the session and he particularly praised officials of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Cameroon, Camair-Co airline, the ministries of transport and finance, who played a role in the success of the last pilgrimage.

The organizers want to capitalize on the experience of 2014 to render a better one in 2015. The number of pilgrims is expected to increase this year from 4,500 pilgrims of last year. This number is not always easy to organize, as it poses challenges leading to misunderstandings, delays. Even scammers take advantage of the season to dupe people.

Therefore, the Government has centralized the organization by creating the National Hajj Commission on January 7, 2003, which is not only in charge of the coordination and supervision of the Organization of the journey to the Holy places of Islam but also its conduct. It is also for this commission to adapt to the challenges and where appropriate, new requirements of the Saudi authorities.

The work of the Committee of Hajj 2015 timeline has already been drawn. It started yesterday during the 27th session and will probably end October 10, the date of return as per the latest waves of pilgrims. This trip is scheduled to take place early September.

An awareness and information campaign will be done on the extent of the territory the first two weeks of March and registrations starts April 15.

The passports of pilgrims will be transmitted to the Embassy July 31. Their withdrawal is expected on 20 August. Applications for approval are received in the services of the Governors of the regions until March 3, 2015.

As a result of yesterday's meeting, another is scheduled tomorrow Friday with the Saudi authorities to prepare a mission for choice of accommodation of pilgrims in Mecca and Medina.