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IOL News
10-08-2025
- IOL News
South African travel operators voice concerns over new Hajj directives
Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a religious duty that must be carried out at least once by Muslims, provided that the person is healthy, fit and financially able. Image: Yasir Gürbüz/ South African travel operators have expressed deep concerns following an official announcement regarding the facilitation of Hajj and Umrah packages for the upcoming year. Last month, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a new directive, which fundamentally changed the way in which pilgrimages are organised, removing the role of local tour operators in the process. Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a religious duty that must be carried out at least once by Muslims, provided that the person is healthy, fit and financially able. Previously, travel operators completed an application with the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (Sahuc) based on requirements from the MOHU. Once all the requirements were met, the operators would be accredited and were required to achieve the minimum quota as stipulated by the MOHU. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Moaaz Casoo, the president of Sahuc, said the new directive was part of a broader global initiative to streamline the Hajj process and improve service delivery to pilgrims from all participating countries. 'In line with these efforts, MOHU has introduced structured timelines and critical milestones that must be met in preparation for the upcoming pilgrimage. While the full implementation of the directive will commence in 2026, it will have a significant impact on how Hajj is organised for South African pilgrims going forward.' Casoo said the new framework introduced by the MOHU would exclude the traditional model of utilising licenced tour operators for the facilitation of Hajj from South Africa. 'All contracts for services in the Kingdom, including accommodation, transport, meals, and on-the-ground logistics will be signed directly with Saudi service providers. The Saudi service providers will carry full responsibility for service delivery in the kingdom, coordinated through the Nusuk Masar platform under the oversight of the MOHU. 'Sahuc recognises that this shift marks a major departure from the traditional model of Hajj facilitation in South Africa. However, the new framework necessitates a comprehensive reorganisation of Sahuc's operational structures, governance, and infrastructure to meet these new demands." Casoo said to ensure readiness, Sahuc had started expanding its internal capacity and resources, developing operational frameworks aligned with MOHU's timelines and expectations, and engaging stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and structured implementation. 'Pilgrims are assured that Sahuc is committed to providing a seamless, spiritually fulfilling and dignified Hajj experience under the new system.' Irshad Malek, the chief executive officer of World of Travel, said the new directive effectively removed independent travel agencies from direct contracts or branding. 'While Sahuc presents itself as a non-profit mission unit, the policy feels monolithic and marginalises long-time service providers.' Malek said he had been active in the Hajj and Umrah industry for 27 years. 'While our travel agency has been offering tailored Hajj packages under its brand since 2012. Our office has over 30 years of trusted travel experience overall. On average, about 600 pilgrims book their Hajj packages with us each year. 'Our Hajj package offers comprehensive services, including round-trip flights, hotel accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, and ground transportation between key locations. We provide full logistical support during the five days of Hajj rituals, along with meals and facilitation services. Our team assists pilgrims from six weeks before departure until their return to South Africa, ensuring a seamless and spiritually enriching experience. 'We have built a tried and trusted name in the industry and last year with the merging of two other companies to offer Hajj under one banner as TWF Hajj, this has raised the bar and service to another level. This has allowed a new dawn to rise in Hajj services." Malek said the recent changes were 'deeply concerning' for the agency. 'Over the years, we have set clear expectations for South African pilgrims, offering them tailored packages that cater to their spiritual and logistical needs. With the new centralised system under Sahuc, our ability to maintain these standards is at risk. The stringent requirements and centralisation mean potentially leaving many pilgrims without the personalised service they have come to expect. 'This shift could lead to a significant loss of trust and satisfaction among our clients, which we have worked hard to build over the years. Additionally, the new system may limit pilgrims' ability to choose their preferred operators, potentially affecting their overall experience." Malek added that the agency had formally expressed its concerns both in writing and during a virtual meeting with Sahuc. 'We requested an in-person meeting to discuss these issues further, but unfortunately, this did not materialise. Additionally, we sought access to the documents pertaining to the recent decisions affecting the Hajj process, but these were not provided to us. This lack of transparency and engagement has left us with significant concerns about the future of Hajj facilitation in South Africa.' Yasser Mookadam, the managing director of Yusra Tours, said: 'It was expected, however, it is quite harsh considering the number of years operators have put into this.' He said the agency had been offering packages for Hajj for the past three decades.
Express Tribune
10-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Hajj scam alert: How to verify licensed service providers
Listen to article As millions of Muslims prepare for their Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) has issued a critical warning against fraudulent Hajj campaigns, urging pilgrims to use only licensed service providers for a smooth and safe experience. To help ensure authenticity, the ministry recommends pilgrims use their official website, to verify licensed Hajj operators. This applies to domestic pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents, who can access a simple online tool to check accredited companies. For UAE nationals, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) maintains a list of approved operators on International pilgrims have two main options to ensure their chosen provider is licensed. Those from eligible countries can use the Nusuk platform at an online service that facilitates Hajj bookings with accredited providers. A full list of eligible countries is available on the platform's website. For those unable to use Nusuk, international pilgrims should consult their local Hajj Committee or Commission to obtain a list of licensed Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) for 2024. The Ministry of Hajj has emphasized that all pilgrims must secure a valid Hajj visa through official channels, either via Hajj Affairs Offices in over 80 countries or through the Nusuk platform. The ministry also encourages pilgrims to contact the official call centre for assistance, available 24/7 in multiple languages. The contact details are as follows: Unified number (Saudi Arabia): 1966 International number: +966 9200 02814 Email: care@
Budapest Times
31-01-2025
- Business
- Budapest Times
One billion bottles and cans recycled
After six months of operation, the Hungarian deposit system is recording impressive return figures of 100 bottles per second. The so-called REpont shops – in addition to environmentally conscious customers – have contributed significantly to this success. They have already received compensation payments totalling 7.2 billion forints (approx. 17.5 million euros) from the recycling concessionaire MOHU. These funds are used for the operation and maintenance of the reverse vending machines and the cleaning of their surroundings. In smaller shops, beverage containers are returned and stored manually until they are collected. Unlike in many other countries, shops under 400 square metres are not obliged to join the deposit system in Hungary. Nevertheless, manual or automatic return is already possible in most localities. Since the introduction of the system, consumers have redeemed vouchers worth 40 billion forints in shops – in addition to the alternatives of bank transfers and donations. This development could serve as motivation for retailers who have not yet joined the system. On average, consumers return 18 bottles or cans per transaction. The most frequently used machine has already collected more than 1.1 million drinks containers. Between the public holidays, the number of returns reached record levels nationwide and exceeded 10 million containers on several days.
