SAHUC Advises SA Pilgrims to Seek Legal Recourse if Not Refunded by Travel Operators for Cancelled 2020 Hajj

The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) says it has exhausted all efforts with some Hajj operators who are yet to fully refund pilgrims for the cancelled Hajj in 1441/2020 and have advised pilgrims to seek legal advice.

In a statement, Sahuc says money that was paid to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of pilgrims to secure accommodation for Hajj in 2020 were immediately refunded by some agents when it was informed that hajj for international pilgrims was cancelled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Sahuc says it has also sought assistance from the Hajj and Umrah Ministry, the Muassasah and the International Relations Department (Dirco) for the repatriation of money paid to the Kingdom.

Sahuc’s Hassan Choonara says Pilgrims who have not received refunds are advised to seek recourse through the courts against the affected travel operators.

“Sahuc once again advises pilgrims not to leave monies with any Hajj operator who you may have contracted with in 2020. Operators are accredited annually and as such there is no guarantee that the operator you had contracted with in 2020, may be accredited in 2021.”

Sahuc says pilgrims are welcome come contact the Hajj body should they have any queries.