April 13- Yemeni Minister of Endowments and Guidance, Hamoud Al-Hattar has called on Saudi Haj and Umrah companies to do business with his country, adding that problems that previously prevented them from entering the Yemeni market no longer exist.
"We've been working with Haj and Umrah agents and companies with the support of the Ministry of Haj to tackle the issue of Yemeni pilgrims overstaying in the Kingdom for the last three years. Their numbers have now been reduced to less than one per cent," he said.
Al-Hattar explained that Yemeni government has set several conditions that have to be met in order for Yemeni nationals to qualify for visas and to ensure they do not overstay. "We ask them to provide guarantees that they will return. We also follow them closely to make sure no one is left behind," he added.
Al-Hattar said efforts are being undertaken to enlighten pilgrims about the correct way of performing Haj and Umrah. "We've taken great strides in this respect," he added.
He further invited Haj and Umrah companies to visit Yemen and asked them to reduce charges imposed on Yemeni pilgrims to ensure they return home.