South African Hajj Registration Opens on 23 March 2010
Date: Thursday, 4 March 2010
Prospective pilgrims who intend performing the haj this year can get ready for the official opening of the haj registration period which starts on 23 March at midnight. According to the South African Haj and Umrah Council, registration will again be based on a first come, first serve basis with preference being given to first time hujjaj.
As was the case last year, the haj registration process is perpetual and does not close. However, Sahuc said, it was important to clearly state which year you are registering for. At the same time, the regulator reiterated that registration is no guarantee of accreditation since the registered haji falls into a queueing system.
Online registration
All registrations will take place online at www.sahuchajjregistry.org.za, but assistance is available at Sahuc regional offices in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesburg. One of the annual concerns that have been raised is the fact that many hujjaaj, especially the elderly are not comfortable with the online registration process.
"Any family member who has access to the internet can complete the registration form on behalf of his /her family. The person on whose behalf the application is made is responsible for the accuracy of all information recorded on the web-site," Sahuc stated.
In order to register online to perform haj, the haji must ensure that they have a computer with internet access which can print, be in possession of a green bar-coded SA identity book as well as a passport if available.
Mahram
According to the list of criteria for prospective hujjaj which was circulated on Thursday afternoon, any Muslim over the age of 15 can apply. Men who had been on haj in the last five years will only be allowed to travel for haj again if they are acting as a mahram for a family member. Sahuc says that any haji who had performed haj within the last five years would be allowed to apply but they would be "scored accordingly".
According to Sahuc, a female under the age of 45 must be accompanied by a mahram. A male who is over the age of 18 can serve as a mahram. This applies to someone you cannot get married - father, son, brother, husband, uncle, grand-father, nephew or son-in-law. However, according to the Shafi' math-hab, a female is allowed to travel without a Mahram to perform her fard hajj if she is over the age 45 years and travels with a group of pious ladies. Sahuc made it very clear that no haj operator or group leader will be accepted as valid Mahram.
Health
Furthermore, Sahuc said, it was critical that correct data be provided on their state of health since this would help the regulator to put logistics in place to offer the necessary assistance. "This is very important to assist with correct administration of services where necessary, including HIV Aids. This will enable us to carry the necessary medication because it is not available in Saudi Arabia. All illnesses will be treated in the utmost of confidence. All relevant personal details - address, contact numbers, next of kin, email address etc must be provided. Foreigners must also provide their passport numbers.
Accreditation
Sahuc indicated that hujjaj will only be accredited after it has announced the cut-off date for all applications. Successful applicants will be notified five days after the cut-off date and the names of the accredited hujjaj will then be published on Sahuc's Registry website. "You are eligible for accreditation when your application form is 100% percent complete and you have paid your R100 registration fee in full."
FAQ
How do I complete the form?
There are three types of applications:
- Individual - single applicants only
- Couple - for Husband & Wife or family of two
- Family (Three or more linked applicants)
The applicant will choose which type to complete per his/her status. The person serving as Mahram is always the main applicant. All members of the family will be linked to the mahram. If you are a female without a Mahram, select individual, then select over 45 years. A mahram who has performed hajj within the last five years may be a Mahram to a female relative and must indicate same on the application.
If you select a husband & wife and/or family of two, the two persons will be linked and their time and score will be averaged. If you select family, the family will be linked and their score and time will be averaged. This will apply if there is first time and/or repeat hajjis as part of the family group.
How do I score?
All hajjis start with 100 points. If you younger than 18 years and older than 15 years your score less 5points. In the case of a family, the score will be averaged. A person younger than 18 years but older then 15 years must travel with his/her family. A repeat hajji will be scored as follows:
If your previous haj was performed in the last:
- 1 - 5 years minus 50 points
- 6 - 10 yrs minus 40 points
- 11 - 15 yrs minus 30 points
- 15 years + minus 20 points
An additional 10 points will be deducted for every additional haj performed. Where a repeat male applicant serves as a Mahram to his wife and or female members of his family whom are all first time hajjis, he will score 100 points. A repeat male serving as Mahram to a combination of first time and repeat hajjis in his family group will not be eligible for the 100 points. The repeat rule will apply and the group's score will be averaged.
On what basis will I receive accreditation?
Accreditation will be granted on first come first serve basis; applicant score, the date and time of application and payment of registration fees will be taken into account. Applicants will be queued by date and time of application, average score and confirmation of registration fee. Preference is given to 1st time hajjis who are performing their fard haj. When a first time hajji applies with a family group of repeat hajjis, his/her score will be averaged with the group and will be queued with the group accordingly.
How do I cancel my accreditation?
Once you are accredited by Sahuc, you accept or cancel your accreditation online. Failing to cancel will attract a score of minus 30 points on your next application.
How do I de-link?
An applicant can de-link from the main/Mahram applicant. This must be done in writing to Sahuc. To de-link applicants will require identity numbers and reference numbers of the affected applicants. The Mahram must request for the de-linking in writing. No link or de-link will take place once the Hujjaaj are accredited.
How do I choose my hajj operator?
Before making the selection, every applicant must have carefully investigate all packages available. Only thereafter should a haj operator be chosen. Following the acceptance of the accreditation, the applicant will be directed to the list of accredited haj operators. The hajji then selects a haj operator from the list of accredited operators as provided. The applicant may then print the confirmation indicating that they have chosen the specific accredited haj operator.
How long can I be linked to the hajj operator?
Applicants have 14 days to contract with the hajj operator from the date of selection to complete the necessary contracting. This time line will change as we get closer to hajj. Failing which, the hajj operator has the right to delete your details from their portal. When a hajj operator delete an applicant, such an applicant will receive a sms from Sahuc stating that he/she has been deleted. The applicant will be given 3 days to select another hajj operator. Failing in doing so, the applicant accreditation will be cancelled. The applicant will be re-queued; minus 30 points.
How do I change from one Hajj operator to another?
Written submission must be made to Sahuc by the applicant. He /she must also provide a letter from the haj operator confirming that no contract was entered into. The applicant must provide reasons for the change. Changes can only be made if no contract has been entered into. If no contract is concluded between the parties, the hajj operator must refund the hajji in full. When a contract is concluded and a haji wants to change, this will be subject to a cancellation fees per the contract.
What is the registration fee and how do I pay?
A non refundable registration fee of R100 must be paid direct deposit or electronic transfer into our First National Bank account. Account details: South African Hajj and Umrah Council (Sahuc), First National Bank - Fordsburg; Branch Code: 252505; Account Nr: 62179376754. All deposits must include a 19 digit reference number for tracking purposes.The 19 digit reference number is made up as follows: your 13 digit ID number; followed by 5 digits - S1430; then followed by F or M.
For example, 7212240000085S1430M. The 19th digit is made up of F for female applicant or M for male applicant. The application fee is applicable to hajj 1431AH (2010) only. An applicant, who opts to pay directly at any FNB, will have 5 working days to pay your fees and will be queued at the time of registration. All payments received after the required 5 days, will shift your place in the queue to the day of payment and not the date of registration.
How will I be informed if I was accredited?
Sahuc will notify all successful applicants of their accreditation via SMS. Your name, surname, serial number, area of residence, number of haj and Mahram status if a repeat Hujjaaj will be placed on the Sahuc hajj registry website.
How long will I have to accept or cancel?
Applicants will have seven days to accept or cancel their accreditation. Any accreditation not accepted within the specified time of seven days, will be automatically cancelled in the system and be subjected to a deduction of 30 points and be placed back in the queue.
General Terms
The responsibility for ensuring that true and correct information is provided at the time of registration will rest with the applicant (the person intending to perform hajj); irrespective if the application was completed by a third party. Tick the Acceptance box, accepting the condition for application and subsequent accreditation where applicable.
All queries must be directed to the following email address: info@sahuchajjregistry.org.za only. Allow 72 hours for queries to be addressed. Accreditation is subject to the quota received from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for South Africa. Repeat hajjis will only be considered once all first time hajj has been accredited within the allocated quota.
Accreditation of repeat Hujjaj will be done on an elimination basis - i.e. those hajjis that have been for haj 20 years ago have preference over those that have been for hajj more recently (last 5 years etc) No consideration will be given for Badal Hajj. Any application made for this purpose will be dealt with as a repeat hajji.
Source: http://vocfm.co.za/index.php?section=news&category=vocnews&article=51726
