Saudi reduces number of pilgrims due to expansion acts

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Umra and Pilgrimage Commission announced to reduce the number of Iraqis accepted to perform the rituals of pilgrimage with 20% on base of Saudi Arabia demand due to expansion acts ongoing in Mecca.The Saudi authorities called upon all Islamic countries and Muslims worldwide to postpone their arrival to perform rituals of pilgrimage on this year due to the expansion works ongoing on Grand Mosque.”The Director of Media and Relation Directorate within Umra and Pilgrimage Commission, Najam al-Saedi, reported to IraqiNews.com ”The Saudi authorities informed us to reduce number of Iraqi pilgrims for this year and it has already reduced the rate with 20% since the number of Iraqi pilgrims became (25,000) after it was (31,000) pilgrims as the Iraq share in 2013.””This year there will be no special acceptance concerning officials or members of the Parliament to perform rituals of pilgrimage on this year,” he added. \END\