The 15th Hajj Consular Delegation to accompany British pilgrims to Saudi Arabia has been launched by Senior Minister of State Baroness Warsi and Minister for Consular Services Mark Simmonds.
This year’s Hajj is expected to take place from 13-18 October. Approximately 19,000 British Muslims are expected to participate. The British Hajj Delegation (BHD) has been based in Makkah every year since 1999.
Senior Minister of State Baroness Warsi said: “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office understands how deeply important the Hajj is to the British Muslim community and once again we are sending a Hajj Consular Delegation. Saudi Arabia provides excellent facilities and services to all pilgrims and I would like to thank Saudi Arabia for everything it does for British Pilgrims on Hajj”.
Foreign Office Minister responsible for Consular Services, Mark Simmonds, MP continued: “We are absolutely committed to providing appropriate Consular services to British Pilgrims during Hajj through having consular officers on the ground in Makkah and Jeddah. Last year we provided a wide range of consular support, including replacing emergency travel documentation and supporting British pilgrims who required urgent medical assistance.
“Effective preparation by pilgrims such as ensuring they have appropriate travel insurance and carry copies of their passports and other important documentation is key to ensuring a safe and trouble-free Hajj. I hope that all those undertaking Hajj this year will have a peaceful, successful and rewarding pilgrimage.”
