Hajj pilgrims prognoses to 20% decrease in Russia

Devaluation of Russian ruble to American dollar has prevented many pilgrims from Russia from going on hajj this year, Vice Speaker of the Federation Council, representative for Hajj Affairs at the Russian government Ilyas Umakhanov says.

"The course of ruble to dollar has become an insurmountable barrier for a numerous category of people who wanted to go on hajj, it can result in minimum 20% decrease in the number of pilgrims this year," said Umakhanov on Wednesday, Interfax reported.

"We have a quota for 16,4 thousand pilgrims, but it will be good if we reach the number of 12 thousands this year," he said.

The number of pilgrims will decrease in most regions, but it will increase in Crimea if compared to the last year," Umakhanov said.

"If the number of pilgrims (from Crimea - IF) did not exceed 100 persons last year, this year it will be more than 300 people," he said.

Umakhanov also informed that Saudi Arabian authorities reinforced security measures and toughly control the date of pilgrims' arrival and departure. Besides, the receiving party demands obligatory hundred percent financing.

/SR