However, the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (A.B.H) a National charity working for the welfare and wellbeing of the British Hajj, Umrah and oversees travellers, expresses its grave concern about the worsening situation of exploitation of the British Hajj & Umrah pilgrims by some rogue and unscrupulous tour and travel operators.

The violation of the travel & tour legislation has become a common practice.  The Hajj travellers including elderly, sick and disabled are being bullied and threatened and subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment by the rogue travel/tour operators.  These rogue elements are also damaging UK’s image by indulging in illegal and fraudulent activities in UK and abroad as well.  It is highly regrettable that this is all happening in a civilised and democratic society.

A.B.H has strongly urged the returnee Hajj pilgrims that if they have been a victim of exploitation or have been deceived by their Hajj tour operator or travel agent then they must not suffer in silence and must take action to stop them before they exploit others.  The pilgrims must lodge a complaint to their local Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. The complaint will be investigated and the travel or tour operator will be held accountable of any wrongdoing.

This issue is affecting over 2 million British Muslims.  Travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj & Umrah pilgrimages is an ongoing process therefore, A.B.H also urged the pilgrims to seek help and assistance from their local Members of Parliament, persuading them to raise the issue of worsening situation of exploitation and the violation of the tour and travel legislation at the House of Parliament and ask the Government for a permanent and an effective set-up to help and protect the vulnerable Hajj & Umrah travellers by eliminating the malpractices of the rogue and unscrupulous Hajj tour and travel operators.   

For further information please contact:

Khalid Pervez (General Secretary)

Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK                                                                                         Southside Business Centre, 249 Ladypool Road, Birmingham, B12 8 LF

Tel & fax:   0121 440 1700                 Mob:    07752 721 546

Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it                         Web:   www.abhuk.com