The Ministry of Haj has asked domestic pilgrim companies to hire medical teams specializing in epidemics, public health and contagious diseases. The ministry has stipulated that the medical staff contracts will have to be approved by the Health Affairs in Makkah. It said domestic pilgrim companies and organizations that cannot comply with the new medical requirements for this year's Haj must submit a letter explaining their inability to do so. The ministry will then decide whether they can be exempted or not. The ministry said companies must follow all instructions and regulations concerning the housing and service of pilgrims, including safety standards and Civil Defense fire control directions. This includes making sure that fire extinguishers are in working order. The ministry also requires companies to provide around-the-clock, uniformed security guards at camps. The ministry has added that it will take action against any company that uses the camps for other purposes, including renting them out to individuals and other firms. The sources added that the ministry only allows companies to market their services under strict conditions. This is aimed at making it difficult for bogus companies to use the names of legal companies. The ministry requires domestic pilgrim companies to market their services through offices or branches registered at the ministry. Other companies are not allowed to market their services. Pilgrim companies have been warned not to market their services using words or photos advertising special-service and VIP programs. They are also not allowed to mention the Holy Sites Train in their marketing. The ministry has further ordered that only Saudis can be employed in administrative positions including reception, data entry and staff who deal with contracts. __
