Pilgrims are being asked to delay Hajj bookings amidst COVID-19 pandemic.

Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Minister cited concerns about the safety of pilgrims amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hajj Minister Mohammed Banten said, "Saudi Arabia is fully ready to serve pilgrims and Umra seekers in all circumstances."

"But under the current circumstances, as we are talking about the global pandemic, from which we have asked God to save us, the kingdom is keen to protect the health of Muslims and citizens."

"So we have asked our brother Muslims in all countries to wait before concluding contracts [with tour operators] until the situation is clear."

Hajj is due to take place this year from 28 July and 2 August.

Harun Khan, Secretary General of the MCB said, “Going for Hajj is one of the biggest events in a Muslim’s life, and there is no doubt that many will have been making plans to go this year.

“In these unprecedented times, it is imperative that public health is put first, and with millions of people from across the world coming to one place to perform the pilgrimage in close proximity to one another, it is sensible that we exercise a degree of caution and wait and see what the situation is closer to the time.

“This will, of course, impact many Hajj tour operators based in the UK for whom this is their source of income.

"We urge these tour operators to seek support from the UK Government if it is needed and to offer reassurances to those who have already booked that their Hajj bookings are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL scheme. British pilgrims should continue to abide by public health guidance, monitor the situation in Saudi Arabia, and contact their tour operators for any support.”

Rashid Mogradia CEO of CBHUK said, "We thank His Excellency, the Minister of Hajj & Umrah Dr Muhammad Saleh Benten for the timely update and efforts made by his team at the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah in serving the guests of Almighty Allah and issuing refunds for those who could not complete the Umrah pilgrimage due the temporary suspension of the Umrah.

"We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman for the care shown by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in protecting pilgrims, its citizens and the rest of the world from the Coronavirus Pandemic. We pray Allah protects the Holy Mosques, the people of KSA and rest of the world."

The CBHUK is urging those Umrah companies who have yet to refund their customers to do so without any deductions and delay in line with Package Travel Regulations.