Breaking News: Flash Statement from the Presidency of Religious Affairs on Hajj Procedures
The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has issued an important statement regarding Hajj procedures. According to the announcement, those who completed definitive registration for Hajj in 2020 will be given options for 2021: they may either defer their pilgrimage to 2021 or cancel their participation. The statement also confirms that applicants who choose to cancel their 2021 pilgrimage will receive a full refund of the amounts they paid. Diyanet reiterated that registrants who completed definitive registration for 2020 will be able to transfer their registrations to the 2021 period and select either deferral or cancellation.
Those Fees Will Be Refunded
Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, many events have been postponed or canceled, and Hajj arrangements have been affected as well. In its statement, the Presidency of Religious Affairs announced that for those who postpone their pilgrimage to 2021, all amounts paid except for 1,000 Saudi riyals will be refunded. For applicants who decide to cancel their planned pilgrimage for 2021 entirely, the full amount paid will be returned.
The Diyanet further explained that registrations completed in 2020 through the Diyanet itself or through agencies affiliated with TÜRSAB have been transferred to 2021. Those who had finalized their Hajj registration in 2020 will have the right to defer the pilgrimage to 2021 or to forgo travel in 2021 and request the applicable refund according to the rules announced.
How Much Is 1,000 Riyals in Turkish Lira?
Because Hajj operations could not be carried out this year due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Directorate clarified the refund policy: applicants who cancel for 2021 will receive full reimbursement of the fees they paid, while those who defer will be refunded all amounts except 1,000 Saudi riyals. Based on the exchange rate data cited in the announcement, 1,000 Saudi riyals is approximately equal to 1,834.2 Turkish lira. Therefore: 1,000 SAR ≈ 1,834.2 TRY.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs advises affected pilgrims to follow official Diyanet channels for detailed instructions on how to request refunds or confirm deferral procedures, and to await further announcements regarding scheduling and travel arrangements for 2021.