RIYADH: The Saudi minister responsible for labor issues has praised the ministry’s workers for their efforts during this year’s Hajj, the Saudi Press Reported. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, minister for human resources and social development, made the remarks on a visit to the ministry’s Hajj headquarters, where he reviewed the activities of the regulatory teams and inspected relevant workflows. The teams are tasked with ensuring that establishments involved in Hajj operations comply with labor laws and other regulations. More than 1.83 million Muslims performed the Hajj this year, slightly fewer than last year’s 1.84 million. They included more than 1.6 million pilgrims from 22 countries, and about 222,000 Saudi citizens and expatriate residents. HR ministry initiatives have sought to aid both pilgrims and workers taking part in the annual event. The ministry has introduced the “Ajeer Al-Hajj” service, which facilitates seasonal work, and the “Seasonal Visas” service. An anti-begging initiative, available in multiple languages, and the supervision of over 22 childcare centers in Makkah and the holy sites through the “Childcare Centers” are also part of the ministry’s efforts this year. Al-Rajhi also reviewed key initiatives, services, and volunteer efforts deployed in Makkah’s Grand Mosque and the holy sites.