A recent internal audit report by the Ministry of Religious Affairs has revealed significant financial irregularities in last year’s Hajj operations.
The report highlights excessive spending on train tickets, building rentals, and unauthorized vehicle hires, among other discrepancies.
According to the audit, 1,620 extra train tickets were purchased under the name of Hajj pilgrims, costing 464,940 Saudi Riyals. Additionally, buildings that were not utilized still had rent paid, and 13 million Riyals were spent on staff accommodation beyond the required amount.
The report also reveals that 52 vehicles were rented without cabinet approval, with no record of their use. Furthermore, Hajj Welfare Fund was misused, with 4.6 million Riyals withdrawn illegally, and 3.3 million Riyals still unreturned. Gifts worth 3.3 million Riyals were purchased for pilgrims, and some local assistants received multiple salaries.
Irregularities were also found in the distribution of Zamzam water, with 120,000 Riyals overspent. Moreover, furniture and office supplies worth 300,000 dirhams were purchased in violation of procurement rules, and expensive private vehicles were hired instead of lower bidders.
The audit further criticizes the establishment of a permanent medical mission in Saudi Arabia, which was previously set up only during the Hajj season. The decision led to additional expenses of 387,000 Riyals in rent and salaries.
The report recommends recovering extra payments from service providers, implementing stricter oversight, and taking strict action against those responsible for the financial mismanagement.
