umrah Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Voice of the Cape

Local Umrah operator under investigation

With South African families embarking on the Umrah pilgrimage during the holiday months, Haj and Umrah operator, Al Mujaahiedeen, has been suspended by the South African Travel and Haj Operators Association (SATHOA) following the cancellation of flights of 20 mu’tamireen, who were scheduled to leave on December 25, 2017. Chairperson of SATHOA, Adam Jainodien, explains that he became involved in the process when one of the passengers was advised to contact […]

22 December 2017

News

Biometric system for pilgrims to be in effect soon

By Najma Bibi Noor Mahomed The Saudi Arabian Hajj Ministry has implemented a biometric visa system which will come into effect on the 4th of December 2017 in South Africa. This means that accredited hujaaj and individuals wanting to go on umrah are now required to go to the VFS offices to have their photos taken, biometrics done and their information uploaded onto the system before obtaining a visa to […]

16 November 2017

News

New umrah visa fees reportedly in place

South African umrah operators have been informed of a new umrah visa fee by their respective Saudi Arabian counterparts. On Thursday, it was reported that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj announced an additional 2,000 riyal (about R7000) would be charged for umrah visas for those who travelled for umrah in the last Hijri year 1438. These costs are payable for umrah applications effective from 12th October 2017 and will be […]

14 October 2017

Tourism – Hajj and Umrah

Makkah awakens you to the real priorities

This forms part of a series by written by South African hajj doctor, Salim Parker. More articles can be found at www.hajjdoctor.co.za ‘Where is your husband?’ someone asked her. We were all in the restaurant of our hotel in Makkah about two weeks before Hajj was to start. Breakfast was a time shared with new made friends, new formed alliances as well as strengthening existing bonds. The atmosphere is invariably […]

8 September 2017

News

SA pilgrims gear up for an intense night in Makkah

South African pilgrims on umrah in the holy cities are on a spiritual high as they anxiously await the climax of Ramadan, the 27th night. Makkah is buzzing with pilgrims from around the world who have jetted in for the last ten days of the sacred month, considered the most important days. Muslims believe that on the Night of Power, the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant, sins are […]

21 June 2017

News

How the Qatar diplomatic row affects SA travellers to the Middle East

While Muslim citizens around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, leaders of Muslim majority nations are at loggerheads, in a move that has sent ripple effects across the globe. On Monday Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and the Maldives implemented a diplomatic ban on the state of Qatar; rendering their air-spaces, land and ocean waters inaccessible to the Qatari nation. As an excuse, which has since been criticised […]

7 June 2017

Tourism – Hajj and Umrah

Ramadan witnesses more visitors to religious, tourist sites in Madinah

Ramadan is the time of year when religious and historical venues linked to the Prophet, peace be upon him, after his Hijra to Madinah are of particular interest to Madinah visitors. These places are popular destinations for visitors before they meet for iftar in public squares, enjoying the wide-ranging services the government offers visitors to the Two Holy Mosques throughout the year. During the holy month of Ramadan, visits are […]

2 June 2017

News

Busy umrah season for Ramadan

While Muslims around the world observe Ramadan while going about their days, a lucky few are venturing to the holy cities of Makkah and Madina to perform Umrah. Ramadan being the busiest period of the year for the Umrah pilgrimage, thousands of mu’tamireen flocks to the holy lands, where Saudi Arabian officials take all precaution to ensure an incident free experience. Speaking to VOC’s In the Fast Lane, newly elected […]

30 May 2017

News

Umrah vaccination cards process delayed

Individuals embarking on pilgrimage have once again been met with confusion, as vaccination documentation required for Saudi Arabian visa approvals has recently not been readily available. Following weeks of discussion about the increase in visa charges, last week the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) voiced concern at the reported scarcity of the yellow card, which details required vaccinations for individuals travelling to the Kingdom. Speaking to VOC Breakfast […]

7 November 2016

umrah

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