700 Still In Uncertain Over Hajj Pilgrimage, Government Blamed

Three weeks ahead of the pilgrimage, the Rabita (the Hajj affairs ruling authority in Saudi Arabia) office in Mauritius has voiced out its concerns and is blaming the government for this shortcoming.

Speaking to The Independent the president of the Rabita Mauritius branch, Siddick Maudarbocus said the government has fooled many people.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia have indicated since March that the number of visas would be restricted to minimum quota, owing to the works being carried out in the city of Mina,” he said. “This has not prevented the Mauritian authorities from giving hope to 2000 pilgrims this year,” he added.

“This restricted quota for Mauritius is for this year exceptionally because the Saudi authorities are having demolition works carried out to build new hotels,” highlighted Maudarbocus.

He explained that 700 prospective pilgrims, many of whom have already made preparations and paid for accommodation to organisers, will remain frustrated because of this gaffe.

However, minister Abu Kasenally who is in charge of the dossier said the authorities became aware of this problem Wednesday.

“If the decision had already been taken in March to restrict the number of pilgrims, they would not have sent a letter to inform us now,” he emphasised.

According to him, several countries are also facing the same problem including Indonesia, South Africa and Singapore.

Organisers are facing issues with refunds, having already transferred the pilgrims’ payment for accommodation to Saudi Arabia.

Raouf Khodabaccus, organiser of Port Louis Ibmatul-Muslimeen said that this announcement has created a catastrophic situation. “Our biggest concern remains those who are unable to go for Hajj pilgrimage.”