HAJI! What About The Refund On Your Draft

The following letter was received from a brother in Dubai:

Please allow me to inform you that when a hujjaj plans on going for Hajj, then he/she is required to obtain 2 drafts, so as to enable one self in getting the visa for Hajj.

One draft, which is non-refundable, is made payable to the Unified Agents Office, for an amount of 444 Saudi Riyals (approx. US $120).

The other draft, in 435 Saudi Riyals, is REFUNDABLE, and is made payable to the Automobile Union of Saudi Arabia.

At the time of entering the the airport, Saudi Officials give us a book of coupons in exchange for the second draft. As we go in a group, we do not use their facilities, and therefore, we can explain and refrain from giving them the concerned draft (SR 435).

It has also been observed that a hujjaj with a western passport is easily accepted in keeping the draft, while on the other hand, the hujjaj with other passports are given a book of vouchers against this draft.

Whatever be the case, whether the draft has already been taken by the authorities, or if one is given the vouchers, then if time permits, they can go to the automobile office, located in Mecca, and get the full refund, with a copy of their passport, and their hajj visa page.

For any reason, if one does not have the time to do this, then they should send all the vouchers, with the photocopies of their passport and hajj visa page, asking for a refund, to the address provided below (preferrably by Registered mail). Just in case if a hujjaj is to use any part of the voucher, then they can still get a refund on the remaining unused vouchers.

ADRESS:
THE MANAGER
SAUDI ARABIAN GENERAL CAR SYNDICATE
P.O.BOX 9268
MECCA, SAUDI ARABIA

From a personal survey, it was found that alhamdulillah, about 700-800 hujjaj from our community go for hajj evrey year. Since some 95% of them use private means of transport, the vouchers are not used, and unfortunately, no refund is being claimed.

Taking into account that 600 hujjaj leave behind unclaimed refunds, Saudi Riyals 435 each, totalling to 261 000 Riyals ($70 000 US), the money can be used for other good causes, rather than leaving it behind.

To the concerned recipients of this message, it is our appeal to please forward it to all the other jamaats and to hujjaj.