Khaberni - The Minister of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Places, Mohammed Khalaileh, said that Saudi Arabia informed Jordan that it will ban Jordanian buses from entering its territory during the upcoming Hajj season, whereby Saudi buses will complete the transportation of pilgrims within the kingdom.
Khalaileh explained in an exclusive interview with "Al-Mamlaka" that this measure will add additional cost to the pilgrim and the Jordanian Hajj organization, noting that the cost of the Hajj witnesses an annual increase due to factors such as health insurance, buses, and rising prices of service providers in Saudi Arabia.
The minister emphasized that there are strict health standards to ensure the safety of the pilgrims, as Saudi Arabia this year imposed conditions on those suffering from specific diseases such as kidney failure and certain types of cancer, making it impossible for these individuals to apply for the Hajj, which requires issuing health certificates from Jordan confirming the pilgrim is free from these diseases.
