JEDDAH, June 29 (KUNA) -- The Saudi authorities have announced an approval of the program of electronically readable bracelet for all hajj pilgrims this year.
Saudi Ministry of Haj and Islamic Affairs said in a statement the electronic bracelet aims to rapidly identify pilgrims and read electronically their information and residences, especially those who don't speak Arabic. It will also help male/female pilgrim reunite his/her group in case of getting lost, the statement said.
The program will contribute to promoting performance of the Hajj and Umrah sector, shortening time of measures and implementing information transparency, it added.
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mohammad Saleh Benten authorized the launching of the program, as part of the unified system for foreign pilgrims, the ministry noted.
The ministry asked all Hajj affairs offices all over the world to provide all required data of pilgrims to be used at all Saudi ports.
The electronic bracelet is water resistant and is to be worn by each pilgrim. It has a barcode where all of the pilgrim's information is stored.
The information stored contains address of residences in the sacred places across the Kingdom. The ministry can obtain all required data through scanning the barcodes.
The e-bracelet will provide services for pilgrims as well as a GPS system. (end) nh.hm