Updated: 03/16/2013 00:30

MUIS to give priority to first-time Haj applicants

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has reviewed its haj pilgrimage registration policy to give priority to first-time applicants.

They will be allocated 90 per cent of places in any given year, leaving the rest of the slots for repeat pilgrims.

Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim made the announcement in parliament today.

He said the review follows the decision of the Saudi government not to issue additional places beyond the official quota to several development projects in Makkah and Madinah, the two holy cities.

Repeat pilgrims will have to wait 10 years, up from the current five, before they are allowed to register to perform the Haj again.

Dr Yaacob was responding to a question on developments in the haj pilgrimage registration system.