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25,000 British Muslims to perform Hajj this year
LONDON, Oct 27 (APP) - As many as 25,000 British Muslims will perform Hajj next month with popular delegation leader Lord Patel being dropped by the coalition government and replaced by a civil servant in a bid to curtail public spending.
Lord Patel, a Labour peer had been leading British Hajj delegations since 1999 but Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, a British Cabinet Minister without portfolio, defended the Government decision saying that providing consular and medical support to British pilgrims are much more important than appointing any politician as a leader. Furthermore, she told a news conference at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Wednesday that the Government cannot accept backing of the trip by a delegation leader out of anti-terrorist funding. She named the official accompanying the delegation as Ahmad Patel who has no relations with Lord Patel of Blackburn. Speaking on the occasion, Jeremy Browne, FCO Minister of State, said the UK is one of a very small number of countries that send a dedicated delegation to the Hajj. Browne further stated that an FCO review in March 2010 recognised that Saudi medical facilities for pilgrims had improved significantly over the last ten years. As a result, the decision was taken to discontinue the medical element of the delegation but strengthen the consular element from two to three consular offices. The delegation will provide consular services to British pilgrims and will comprise three experienced consular officers, an Urdu speaker who will lead the delegation supported by two Arabic speakers from the region. They will be based in Makkah from November 7 to November 18. Saudi Arabian ambassador to the UK Prince Mohammad Bin Nawaf Bin Abdul Aziz informed the media of the arrangements made by the Kingdom to ensure the safety of the pilgrims coming across the globe for the annual ritual. He said the Saudi authorities have left no stone unturned to ensure trouble free Hajj for the pilgrims. |
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan
the cbh goes mainstream at the gpu hajj & islamic expo 23rd-24th oct 2010
The CBH proud to support the Hajj & Islamic Tourism Exhibition
United Kingdom, 20th October, 2010
Mohsin Tutla from the Hajj People who has organised the Hajj & Islamic tourism Exhibition said “The exhibition is a great opportunity for ambitious companies to directly connect with the Hajj & Islamic Tourism market. Dedicated to those that make the Hajj & Umrah pilgrimage happen during the calendar year, from the Airlines, Travel Agencies, Tourism boards, Embassies and other Organisations, an opportunity is offered to cultivate consumer relationships as well as business to business contacts. We are extremely honoured to have the support of the Council of British Hajjis”
Rashid Mogradia, from the CBH said “We are proud to be supporting and exhibiting at the GPU Hajj Exhibition. It is an excellent medium for us to deliver essential pre-travel tips and health & safety advice for travellers and capture a wider audience. In addition, educating the pilgrims on what to do when booking a pilgrimage and generally raising awareness on Hajj & Umrah is in line with the Saudi Hajj Ministry’s requirement for pilgrims to be in the know and have been given such training, ultimately resulting in a positive Hajj experience. This is surely an event not to be missed”.
The timing of the exhibition comes as around 25,000 British citizen’s gear up to make the journey of a lifetime to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This year the Foreign Office will not be sending a medical team out to assist the pilgrims, this exhibition aims to deliver the message on what to do in case of a medical emergency and additionally in showcasing the 5th pillar of Islam - the Hajj and the growing Islamic Tourism Market.
In its’ 5th year running, the Global Peace and Unity Event is officially the largest multicultural gathering of its kind in the Western world, attracting over 50,000 people over two days. It provides unrivalled opportunities for exposure on a scale that is comparable to mainstream television and newspaper advertising without the mainstream price tag. This exciting event invites all parties to take part in providing a social, educational and commercial experience to the 50,000+ visitors attending GPU 2010.
The Hilton Hotel, Saudi Airlines, Al-Hidaayah, Travel Express and Road to Makkah, are just some of the names at this years show. To exhibit or for further info call: 0208 558 1069 or visit http://www.hajjpeople.com/ . For tickets to the GPU goto: http://www.theglobalunity.com/ and for up to date Hajj info visit www.the-cbh.org.uk .
Hajj travellers urged to plan for the unexpected
October 14, 2010 - Asian Image
British Muslims due to participate in the Hajj are being advised to take heed of up-to-date travel advice before embarking on their trip.
A Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination certificate is a compulsory visa requirement for the estimated 25,000 British Muslims expected to travel to the Hajj this year. Read More
Why do diseases love a good festival?
October 12, 2010 - the Guardian
Later this month the Lancet is holding a conference on mass-gathering medicine and biosecurity, looking at best practice and lessons learned from Obama's inauguration, the 2010 World Cup and the hajj. Read More
Hajj pilgrims urged to clue up on meningitis
October 11, 2010
National charity Meningitis Research Foundation is urging pilgrims to Mecca for this year’s Hajj to make sure their meningitis travel vaccine is up to date or risk being denied entry to Saudi Arabia.
Large epidemics of meningococcal disease have been linked to the Hajj pilgrimage and many cases also occur world-wide after pilgrims return to their own countries. Read More
Hajj medical team for UK pilgrims scrapped
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 6 October 2010
The Foreign Office has denied scrapping its medical delegation to the Islamic annual pilgrimage as part of a cost-cutting drive, saying it made the decision because of a declining demand for the service and an improvement in local healthcare facilities.
More than 25,000 Britons are due to travel to Saudi Arabia for the hajj in the next few weeks and groups representing them fear that the absence of a dedicated team from the UK will have far-reaching effects on individuals, their communities and work colleagues, and even the NHS. Read More
Warning For British Pilgrims - No Medical Hajj Delegation This Year
05 Oct 2010 - Medical News Today
The Council of British Hajjis (the CBH) has warned of the dangers posed by confidence tricksters and con men for pilgrims intending Hajj "British Muslims planning to travel to Makkah this year for Hajj have been targeted by conmen in the past and there's no reason to think this year will be any different." All accredited tour operators must have an ATOL licence which means that, even if the airline is bankrupt, the traveller's rights are protected. Read More
Thousands of worshippers attend
prayer led by the Imam of the Grand
Mosque in Makkah
United Kingdom: 2nd July, 2009
BLACKBURN, UK – The Imam and Speaker of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Dr.
Abdul‐Rahman Al‐Sudais led a congregation in Blackburn in prayer hosted by Lord Adam Patel.
The streets were cordoned off to allow the overflow of worshippers to pray in the neighbouring
streets which had been floored with temporary prayer mats – never in the history of the town had
this happened before. A convoy of diplomats, officials along with the Imam was led by Police escort
to the mosque. Read more
SWINE FLU & Umrah
Tuesday 19th May, 2009
The CBH are concerned for the wellbeing of British and worlwide pilgrims going for the Umrah in light of the recent Swine flu bug sweeping the word. Although to date, no cases have been reported in the Gulf and Arab world, Pilgrims are advised to take precuations. For more advice visit the Direct.gov.uk website.
Click here to read the FCO Swine Flue Advice
Pilgrims Warned on Hajj Issues & Rogue Tour Operators
Friday 21st November, 2008 - England (UK)
The Government has issued a warning to the 25,000 British Muslims making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca to be on their guard for rogue travel agents.
Consumer Affairs Minister Gareth Thomas said:
"British pilgrims are entitled to get what they pay for and need not suffer in
silence if they feel that they have been ripped off"
"We are urging pilgrims to keep their travel documents, to take photos of any
substandard accommodation, and report any unsatisfactory experiences to trading
standards".
"The Government believes that many cases of pilgrims losing out go unreported ‐
preventing them from getting the help, refunds or compensation they are entitled to"
The Council of British Hajis is advising all pilgrims travelling to Mecca in the coming weeks for the annual Pilgrimage to have a healthy and safe Hajj and to protect themselves against meningitis through proper immunisation and be on the look out for rogue hajj tour operators.
Rashid Mogradia founder and Director of the CBH said “for many, Performing the Hajj is an aspiration which every Muslim desires and one which is part or Muslim life, it is therefore necessary and of paramount importance that the Pilgrims know key facts so that their Hajj is easy and hassle free, and should things go wrong, they have national voice who can take their concerns forward in making the Hajj & Umrah travel better and more regulated and for those who do not deliver more accountable”
The CBH recently held a series of Hajj Seminars themed ‘know before you go’ in an attempt to raise awareness on Health & Safety and proactively working with community groups and Government departments in which representatives from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR ) and ATOL delivered key note advice to pilgrims and doing what they could to eliminate rogue Hajj Tour Operators from operating in the market who cause pilgrims distress, agony, mental torture and financial loss.
Lord Adam Patel has endorsed the work of the CBH and was a keynote speaker at the Hajj seminars this year where he explained his role as the Head of the British Hajj Delegation and the service the FCO consulate and the Medical team provides to British Pilgrims, he said “It is important that Pilgrims are aware of the facilities and services that are available to them when they are at Hajj and that we support organisations like the Council of British Hajis who are doing a tremendous job in relaying this information”.
At the launch of this years British Hajj Delegation, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Nawaf Bin ‘Abd al‐‘Aziz Al‐ Sa’ud expressed his thanks and appreciation to Her Majesty’s Foreign and Commonwealth office – “with special thanks to the Hajj Desk – for the invaluable support they extend annually to the British Hajj Delegation; thus enabling it to travel to Saudi Arabia and play a significant role in looking after the welfare of the British Muslim pilgrims... “ he went onto say “The exemplary performance and the positive results of the Hajj Advisory Group – and their generously volunteering Muslims ‐ could not have happened without the support provided by the British Government, which is the first European Government to provide such support”.
The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and re‐enacts the trials of Prophet Abraham as taught by Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon them both). Over 2 millions Muslims worldwide will travel to Mecca for the Hajj this year.
Pilgrims who are faced with rougue travel operators are advised to contact their local trading standards office the police.
For further information, help or advice visit www.the‐cbh.org.uk or call 0845 833 4145.
[ENDS]
Notes to editors:
The Council of British Hajis (the CBH) is a Voluntary NGO working at grass‐roots for the welfare of British Pilgrims and Hajj & Umrah tour Operators.
The CBH has launched a consultation with Hajj & Umrah Tour Operators to bring about self governance and improve working practices for the betterment of British Pilgrims.
Consumer Minister Gareth Thomas wrote to every MP encouraging them to raise awareness of this issue in their constituencies and met tour operators and pilgrims’ groups in July to discuss improving the situation for those travelling to Mecca.
For more travel advice the following websites and numbers may prove useful:
Contact the Council of British Hajis – is a voluntary NGO working at grass roots for the welfare of British Pilgrims and Hajj & Umrah Tour Operators www.the‐cbh.org.uk
Pilgrims can check whether their operator has an ATOL on the Civil Aviation Authority's website at www.atol.org.uk or by calling 020 7453 6424
Contact details for nearest local authority trading standards offices are available from Consumer Direct 08454 04056 or local town halls.
More detailed information for pilgrims and Hajj travel organisers can be found on the the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) website: www.berr.gov.uk.
the cbh WARNs pilgrims OF HAJJ ISSUES
Friday 7th November, 2008 - England (UK)
The Council of British Hajis (the CBH) will be holding an important ‘Know Before You Go – Hajj 2008” Seminar on Sunday 9th November, 2008 (2pm‐4pm) at the Al Hikmah Centre, Batley and is aimed at providing essential information for the Haji’s (Pilgrims) and tour operators who will be going to perform the Hajj this year.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office leader of the British Hajj Delegation ‐ Lord Adam Patel will be amongst the distinguished guests who will addressing the delegates and has endorsed the CBH for it’s work, he said “It is important that Pilgrims are aware of the facilities that are available to them when they are at Hajj and that we support organisations like the Council of British Hajis who are doing a tremendous job in relaying this information”.
Amongst the guest speakers will Dr Zaman who will be part of the BHD Medical team advising on key health issues and representatives from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Civil Aviation Authority/ATOL will be there to advise on consumer issues and how to avoid becoming a target from a minority of unscrupulous tour operators who in recent years have given the Hajj industry and bad name. The seminar will also address safety issues, Rashid Mogradia, founder and director of the CBH said ‘it is of paramount importance that the pilgrims understand and know key facts on health and safety so they have an enjoyable and hassle‐free Hajj, and if things go wrong they have a voice through the CBH who can help and address issues working with Hajj service providers and Tour operators to put things right”.
Since its establishment in 2006, the CBH has partnered with the PCT to bring about Free health checks for pilgrims (one which can easily be replicated nationwide) and policy recommendations for the betterment of the pilgrims welfare. The CBH is a not‐for‐profit charity working for the welfare of British Pilgrims and Hajj service providers. For more information please call 0845 833 4145 , email info@the‐cbh.org.uk or visit www.the‐cbh.org.uk.
The event is FREE for all to attend and the CBH will be giving away FREE HAJJ PACKS on the day – NOT TO BE MISSED.
[ENDS]
Warning over Hajj pilgrimage rip-offs
- guardian.co.uk, Sunday August 31 2008 00.01 BST
- The Observer, Sunday August 31 2008
The government has warned British Muslims embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia this year to be on their guard against scams and rip-offs. Up to 50,000 Britons make the pilgrimage each year, but ministers have become concerned with the growing problem of unscrupulous travel agents cashing in on religious devotion.
Hotel and flight deals can cost more than £3,000, and every year hundreds fall victim to a variety of scams: paying for a five-star hotel near the Masjid al-Haram (the mosque that is a focal point of the event), but getting a tiny room far from the centre of Mecca; visas and flight tickets not arriving; and in extreme cases agents disappearing with their money.
Consumer affairs minister Gareth Thomas convened a conference of travel agents, community groups and consumer organisations last month, and told them that the government aimed to 'help pilgrims avoid booking with rogue travel agents, and to get redress when they fall foul of those who break the law'.
The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is planning a poster campaign in community centres and mosques aimed at improving awareness of consumer rights, and stressing the need to check that a tour operator to December's Hajj holds an Air Travel Organiser's Licence (Atol), that any company booked with is a member of a trade organisation such as Abta and to keep all documents such as contracts and invoices in case of later problems.
Dr Nadim Nayyar, from Liversedge in West Yorkshire, booked last year through a Luton-based firm, Go4 Hajj. His party of nine paid for a luxury package costing £32,000. Just 48 hours before they were due to depart, Nayyar discovered their Saudi Arabian visas had not been obtained by the company. 'Our Hajj was over. I felt totally devastated,' he said.
'The pre-Hajj seminar, where we were supposed to meet other travellers, kept on getting delayed. Then we found that our flights had been altered from scheduled to chartered, changing in Bahrain. Then we found out they couldn't get the five-star hotels they had promised, and we were being downgraded.'
After learning that their trip was cancelled, Nayyar and 60 other pilgrims who had been let down were told the firm had no assets left to refund them, although he eventually recovered his money through Go4 Hajj's Atol cover.
'This is not just a package holiday, but an obligatory religious visit, so people tend to be far too trusting,' said Nayyar. 'I think that's where we fell down.'
Meningitis warning for Muslims going to the Hajj -
Asian
IMAGE |
11th Nov 2007
MUSLIMS are being urged to make sure they are protected against meningitis
before making the pilgrimage to the Hajj.
Members of Bolton's Muslim community travelling to the religious event in Makkah, Saudi Arabia or the Hajj next month are being told to make sure they are vaccinated against the four strains of bacterial meningitis before travelling.
The Council of British Haji's (Pilgrims) are running a series of workshops
this weekend with the Bolton Council of Mosques, Lancashire Council of Mosques
and Bolton Primary Care Trust to drive home the message.
Dr Shahid Munshi, a GP at the Kearsley Medical Centre and member of
the Bolton Council of Mosques health forum, said: "I
am privileged to work with colleagues in the Bolton Council of Mosques
and hope to forge strong links with the PCT and Council of British
Haji. Each year 25,000 British pilgrims undertake the Hajj and it
is paramount that the pilgrims remain both mentally and physically fit
for what
is a
testing journey of oneself. "
The Saudi Government requires visitors to have a valid certificate of vaccination against the infection before they are issued with a visa.
Travellers will need to be innoculated at least two weeks before leaving for Saudi Arabi in order for the vaccine to be effective.
Graham Munslow, health protection specialist for Bolton PCT, said: "Bolton PCT understands the risks faced by pilgrims to the Hajj and Umrah and to their families when they return.
"Prevention of diseases and protection against meningitis is of paramount importance and we are proud to be working with the Council of British Haji's and the Bolton Council of Mosques to drive home this message. "
The workshops, which are free and open to all, will be held at the Zakariyya Central Mosque, Peace Street, Bolton, between 1pm and 4pm.
For more information call 0845 8334147, visit www.the-cbh.org.uk or email info@the-cbh.org.uk.
The CBH will also be holding an exhibition at the Bolton Museum from November 19th until December 21st coinciding with Islam Awareness Week .
Muslim Weekly
Friday 22nd June, 2007
Council of British Hajis backs the Roadshow - Monday 18th July, 2007
Monday 18th June, 2007
Since its launch, The Hajj and Umrah Roadshow 2007 has had great response. The Organisers are proud to announce that support has been strong. As well as backing from Myadhan.com, the Council of British Hajjis (CoBH) are now supporting the Roadshow;
"It is through education, information and exhibitions like these that the pilgrims will become more risk conscience and be able to perform the rites of the Hajj more successfully and in good health". Rashid Mogradia of the Council of British Haji's.
Pilgrimage to Mecca hailed a success
Bolton News - 1st January, 2007
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