SA gets increased Hajj quota

3 500 can make the journey in 2020

THE MINISTRY of Hajj and Umrah has increased the South African quota for next year by 1 000.

The quota for Hajj 2020 has been set at 3 500.

A delegation from the South African Hajj and Umrah Council held meetings this week with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia in preparation for Hajj 2020.

Moaaz Casoo, secretary-general of SAHUC, said the Ministry would consider an additional increase as requested by SAHUC.

“Each year a special request is made for an additional quota for South Africa and pricing for pilgrims during the five days of Hajj.

“The normal official quota for South Africa is 2 500, based on the Muslim population of South African citizens. Over the past few years we were given an additional quota,” said Casoo.

They endeavoured to release the accredited list of Hajjis by early January.

Hajj will be performed at the end of July next year.

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims.

It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence.

Casoo said people wishing to perform Hajj have to register on their website.

“The waiting period is around four to five years from registration. We have around 36 000 first time pilgrims waiting in the queue,” said Casoo.

He said they would make announcements to the public of new regulations, which they were busy finalising in Saudi Arabia.