"The Saudi authorities have not approved our additional quota of 700 pilgrims," confirmed at a press briefing on Wednesday, Dr. Farhad Aumeer, Chairman of the Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC).
Nevertheless, he assured that pilgrims who can not fly to Saudi Arabia this year will be placed on a priority list. This is so that they can perform the fifth pillar of Islam in 2013.
Dr. Farhad Aumeer explained that over the past five years, in addition to the quota of 1300 visas, Maurice had always got extra seats.
In March, Minister Abu Kasenally in charge of the case, had asked the Saudi Minister of Hajj, Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Hajjar, granting additional 700 visas for Mauritians.
Chairman of the ICC stated that from 1 three hundred and first registration interested parties were notified that they would be placed on a waiting list.
Dr. Farhad Aumeer also said that the Islamic Cultural Centre asked Saudi authorities to intervene so that operators who have already paid their housing may be reimbursed by the hotel.