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Hujjaj don’t delay: Sahuc

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South African hujjaj accredited for Haj 1436 have up until Sunday 26th April 2015 to accept, reject or cancel their accreditation, the South African Haj and Umrah Council (Sahuc) said on Sunday. 2000 prospective hujjaj received their accreditation on Thursday, ending what has been a wait spanning many years. This now begins the process for the preparations for the pilgrimage in September.

Sahuc president Shaheen Essop hujjaj were only given ten days because most of the accredited pilgrims of this year are applicants from between 2009 to 2012.

“From that perspective, people either know they are going on haj or circumstances have changed. We’ve also had our road shows and offered all the relevant information. In addition, haj operators’ packages have been in the market place for quite some time now,” Essop explained.

Once the deadline for hujjaj to accept accreditation closes, Essop said Sahuc will re-evaluate the number of cancellations and issue the openings to other prospective applicants on the list.

Hujjaj are required to log on to the system; they will be allowed three choices, to accept, transfer their application to the next year or cancel their application in totality. However, those who do not notify Sahuc of their cancellation, will lose their place in the queue and be pushed further back in line.

“Once hujjaj accept their accreditation, they will be offered another option of choosing a hajj operator. There after, they are required to make their way to the bank and pay the Sahuc fee of R1000 for the year 2015,” Essop explained.

Explaining the important factors for the preparations for haj, Essop said hujjaj should conclude their plans as soon as possible.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have imposed strict deadlines that we have to follow. It is imperative that hujjaj check the fine print in contracts with operators before parting with their money. Ensure that all agreements are in writing. That way hujjaj won’t be subjected to any currency fluctuations that should occur in the coming months,” Essop said.

As hujaaj begin their preparations, Essop encouraged them to take this opportunity to prepare themselves physically as well. Due to the construction and renovations within the Saudi Kingdom, Essop said hujjaj need to be physically able to perform hajj.

“Ensure that you remain hydrated, the temperatures will be extremely high.”

The first group of hujjaj are expected to depart from South Africa on the 14th September 2015. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)


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