Hajj expenses higher for 2012 season

The expenses for Hajj have increased tremendously for this year leading many citizens and expatriates of moderate income to shun away from partaking in the pilgrimage to Makkah. Speaking on different accounts, citizens and expatriates told KUNA that the Ministry of Islamic affairs should work on measures to regulate and observe campaigns providing Hajj services to those eager to perform this great ritual. Kuwaiti citizen Mohammad Al-Mesfer said that he had a huge desire to perform Hajj for this year but turning pilgrimage into a "business" made him realize that he could not afford to pay the expenses. Taleb Al-Wad'ani, another Kuwaiti national, shared the same sentiment and called on the Ministry of Islamic affairs to react to the increase hike prices, saying that it was their responsibility to bring on a just situation in order for people to perform Hajj. Egyptian National Taleb Abdulfutooh said, on his part, that expatriates sometimes would not be able to go to Hajj due to the random increase in prices offer by Hajj campaigns. This statement was also reflected by Syrian expatriate Amer Abu-Juda who indicated that he have saved money in order to go to Hajj this year; however, going to campaigns offering Hajj services made him realize that the attempt was near impossible unless "one would work extra time or borrow money." On their part, several individuals in charge of Hajj campaigns said that the hike in prices was not due to them but rather, an increase in accommodation prices at hotels and other facilities in Makkah. They also blamed the hike in prices on increasing expenses on transportation and other elements, affirming that they were providing the utmost care for those seeking their services.