Diplomatic rift with Saudi Arabia muddles hajj trips by Canadians
TORONTO — Members of Canada’s Muslim community say recent tensions between Ottawa and Saudi Arabia are affecting some people’s ability to perform what’s seen in the faith as a fundamental religious right.
They said that many currently embarking on hajj, a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, are anxious about their travel arrangements in light of the simmering spat, which has seen the country’s state airline cancel flights to and from Canada.
A travel agent said some would-be pilgrims have decided not to follow through on their travel plans after tensions between the two countries flared up unexpectedly this month.
The diplomatic dispute began when Canada’s Ministry of Global Affairs sent a tweet calling for Saudi Arabia to “immediately release” two women’s rights activists detained in jail.
The kingdom reacted by severing diplomatic ties, suspending future trade, recalling students from Canadian schools and cancelling the state airline’s operations in Canada.
People in contact with hajj participants said the move involving the airline has complicated return travel plans for many, and add that they are anticipating other post-pilgrimage issues.
“We are having a lot of problems,” said Syed Ahmed, Operation Manager at King Travel agency specializing in trips related to hajj and other religious occasions. “Almost we can say 25 per cent of people are asking for a refund.”
Ahmed said travellers booked with the Mississauga, Ont., agency frequently flew to the kingdom using Saudia, the state airline that previously operated at least two direct routes departing from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
But Saudia cancelled those routes effective Monday, leaving travellers who used their services to reach the country with questions as to how they can return home.
Ahmed said Saudia has offered to cover the costs of transferring tickets to other airlines, but said spaces — already at a premium during the hectic hajj season — are extremely hard to find.
Logistical arrangements are only part of the problem, said Imam Syed Soharwardy, head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada.
Soharwardy said many members of congregations feel anxious about the prospect of travelling on a Canadian passport at a time when open suspicion of Ottawa seems to dominate among Saudi authorities.
But Soharwardy said many wary travellers will forge ahead with their plans, because most have spent years saving up for a once-in-a-lifetime journey.