It has only been two days since Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud announced that the border between the two nations will be temporarily reopened for use by Qatari pilgrims wishing to go for Hajj.

Qatar initially welcomed the move, but has since then expressed concern over the safety of over 100 pilgrims who have crossed into the neighbouring country. 

Qatari citizens too have expressed their dismay about access to Hajj being given as a ‘gift,’ instead of it being open for all at all times. A section of Qatari users feel there is still a lot more to be done to guarantee pilgrims’ well-being and comfort, reported Gulf Times.

A number of Qataris and Qatari owners of Hajj tour operators, who used to manage the trip to Makkah, expressed their dissatisfaction about the move as it entails unacceptable conditions on the otherwise free right to practise such a religious rite.
In particular, they rejected the offer of Saudi Arabia to transport them on Saudi Airlines as a gift, stressing that such gift cannot be accepted and they can afford their expenses. 

Many Qataris said they need to have the usual free access to Makkah by direct Qatar Airways flights, with an official Qatari Haj delegation to manage their affairs at Makkah as always.

Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, owner of a Hajj tour operator, pointed out that he rejects that Qatari pilgrims should travel on the expenses of any country or party other than their own country.

“Our country is wealthy and is in no need of aid or charity from any body and Qataris cannot be dealt with in this way.”
Mohamed Azran felt both airspace and land borders should be opened for direct trips to take pilgrims from Qatar to Makkah.