MUSCAT — The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs has signed an agreement with Artech Co for Haj Smart Cards. This was announced by the ministry at a press conference here yesterday. Sultan bin Said al Hinai, Assistant Director-General of Preaching and Guidance Department at the ministry, stated the ministry is concerned about the use of modern technology and applying the same in its programmes and services. Al Hinai added that the use of the Haj Smart Card would be considered as a qualitative shift in organising the issue of Haj permissions.

He indicated that the agreement is for one Hijri year and the ministry would undertake the management of the project in co-operation with Artech for registering the pilgrims. In addition, the company would provide the necessary technical support, as well as, the equipment and appliances needed for operating the system. The ministry’s IT department has been using the electronic registration for pilgrims through the ministry’s website five years ago, but the ministry thought of using the smart card system to provide better technology and superior services.

The smart card is distinguished by its high security features including the use of the ultraviolet printing, hologram, microscopic printing, as well as enabling Haj organisers to identify regular pilgrims with the security features on the card, in addition to get an electronic copy of pilgrims list to the land crossing points controlled by the Royal Oman Police (ROP). The smart cards would also enable the Haj organisers to register the pilgrims at any time from any place without any need to connect to Internet during the registration period. — ONA