Nabil Melhem, 61, a Palestinian bricklayer, wears one of the official bracelets, which he said cost about two riyals (53 cents).
It is “like a passport,” said Melhem, from the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The bracelet is two centimetres (almost an inch) wide and coloured green for pilgrims from Arab countries.
“If we get lost, if we die, if we are sick or unable to talk, they can contact our delegation, thanks to the bracelet,” he said.
Drissa Conakry, a Nigerian pilgrim, said hotel staff “put this bracelet on us as soon as we arrived”.
Conakry, 30, a teacher, said the bracelet, coloured mauve for African pilgrims, provides a measure of comfort.
“I tell myself that, at least, I am identified.”
Behind her, four Australian pilgrims move closer, intrigued by the device. They tell AFP they have not received the bracelets.
Sourced from agencies, Featured image courtesy: www.ndtv.com
