The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) says it is still awaiting official confirmation from the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with regards to whether Hajj 1441H will be proceeding this year or not due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, Sahuc says it will inform all Hujaaj and other role players in South Africa when this information becomes available.
Secretary General Moaaz Casoo says the hajj body is in constant consultation with all the accredited Hajj operators and their legal team to determine outcomes under different scenarios in the event if Hajj is disallowed or there is a reduction in the quota.
“We are also awaiting information from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation when our borders will re-open for International travel.”
Casoo also says while they have also engaged with accredited Hajj operators who’ve agreed not to charge any administrative fees, some charges may be applicable where incurred.
He says all accredited Hujaaj that have accepted but not yet committed financially must contact the selected accredited operator and inform them if they are still interested in travelling this year given the pandemic or if the Hajj duration or quota may be reduced as a result.
“Bear in mind that the pricing of package’s will be effected due to the significant decline of the South African Rand to the US Dollar. SAHUC will refund the R1500 accreditation fee to all Hujaaj if Hajj is cancelled and if we receive any cancellation requests from Hujaaj.”
Casoo says Hujaaj with a contract must first be released from the contract before accreditation is cancelled with SAHUC and that all applicants will be put back into the queue on date and time priority.
Faizel Patel
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