As Coronavirus or COVID-19 spread threatens population worldwide, Saudi Arabia continues to put travel restrictions until the situation is under control. Umrah has already been cancelled from February 26, 2020. So far, a decision has not been made to cancel Hajj in 2020.
What to do if Saudi Cancels Hajj?
If you have already booked a trip with a hajj agent, we request you to ask them in advance what happens to your deposit/booking in case Hajj is cancelled. Each travel agent has different terms and it would be good to clarify things before an unfavourable decision is made. Most travel agents will refund your deposit without any issues however, there are some who may have already used your deposit to book hotels or travel services.
Worst-case scenario, if you are not eligible for a full refund, find out if the travel agent can use the fund for a future trip. Otherwise, you may have to seek legal counsel to get a refund. It is advisable for each traveller to thoroughly examine the terms and conditions of a travel agent before booking a trip.
How to Protect Yourself if Hajj is not Cancelled
Remember, cure and sickness are in the control of Allah. We need to take all necessary precautions and it is then up to Allah to protect us from harm through our dua and reliance upon Him. If you are going for Hajj this year, follow all the guidelines suggested by the health experts. There is a possibility that strict crowd control measures will be taken to prevent spread of Coronavirus. Be sure to follow whatever measures are put in place. It is easy to get emotional in the blessed land, but it is extremely important to maintain a safe distance between individuals and avoid outing as much as possible.
Where to get more Information?
If you would like to keep up to date with Hajj cancellation news, visit the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Twitter page. In addition, you can visit the official website of the ministry. Your travel agent will also have the latest information regarding any cancellations.
Whatever happens, remember it is a test from Allah and it’s only temporary. If this test through coronavirus is bringing you closer to Allah, it is indeed a blessing. We pray that you and your family stay safe through this difficult time.