Ibrahim Al-Saghir, head of the General Authority for Hajj and Umrah, attributed recent problems in moving Libyan pilgrims from Muzdalifah to Mina to several factors. One issue was that some pilgrims arrived in Mina without their group supervisors. This led to them entering tents not assigned to them, causing overcrowding and confusion with accommodations.
Al-Saghir told Libya Al-Ahrar TV that more than 600 Libyan pilgrims had traveled from other countries using visas issued elsewhere. They entered the Libyan mission’s camps without prior coordination with the authority. In addition, pilgrims from private companies and those holding independent visas took places meant for the official Libyan delegation.
He said the authority, in coordination with the Hajj mission, tackled the situation by arranging buses to transport affected pilgrims to Mecca during the day, and return them to Mina at night for overnight stays. This was done with the cooperation of the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity and the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs.
Al-Saghir noted that pilgrims responded positively to the solution. He said conditions in Mina had become more organized and comfortable, with no further overcrowding or obstacles. He emphasized that the authority does not avoid responsibility, but such issues can occur for delegations from many countries during the Hajj season.
He stressed the mission’s commitment to making it easier for pilgrims to perform the rituals and assured that the mission would never seek to inconvenience pilgrims or lower the standard of services.
Al-Saghir concluded that the problem had been resolved. He said the delegation is preparing to continue their pilgrimage by heading to Medina to visit the Prophet’s Mosque in a comfortable environment.