Egypt to start biometric fingerprinting for citizens looking to go on hajj

Egypt will start implementing on Monday biometric fingerprinting for Egyptians looking to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Islamic hajj pilgrimage, Egypt’s Tourism Ministry announced Sunday.

The ministry said in a statement that the fingerprinting will be take place from 2 to 8 July for those looking to perform the hajj in August.

The ministry said that the biometric fingerprinting system will be used to check on amenities provided to pilgrims by companies responsible for travel and accommodation.

The ministry said that those who miss the window for submitting their fingerprints can do the procedure with the Tasheel Company, which has signed a protocol with the ministry.

There is no official number of Egyptian pilgrims who travel annually for the five-day pilgrimage, which sees a few million Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca every year.

Saudi authorities say more than two million Muslims participated 2017’s hajj season.

Source: Ahram Online