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SINGAPORE: The first batch of seven haj pilgrims from Singapore left for Mecca on Wednesday morning.
According to a haj travel agency, the total number of pilgrims expected to fly off on Wednesday was 60 people.
But as most of them could only confirm their places on the haj recently, some were unable to ensure their visas and leave from work were approved in time. As a result, they will be departing next Monday.
The Saudi Haj Authority made the announcement a couple of days ago that an additional 1,500 places has been allocated to Singapore for the coming Haj season.
As a precautionary measure against the H1N1 virus, the seven pilgrims had to undergo temperature screening by the haj travel agencies before their departure. This is to certify that they are free from H1N1 before boarding the plane.
The Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry has issued an advisory requiring pilgrims to be vaccinated against the H1N1 virus.
This is in addition to the requirement for pilgrims to have a valid certificate of vaccination against seasonal flu and meningitis. - CNA/vm
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