South Africa to Refund Hajj Registration Fees Paid for 10 Years
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The South African Hajj & Umrah Council (SAHUC) has approved the refund of Hajj registration fees paid over a period of nearly 10 years by pilgrims who have not yet performed Hajj.
Under the decision, pilgrims who paid the applicable registration fee between November 2016 and September 2025 and have not performed Hajj will qualify for refunds.
SAHUC announced the decision in a statement issued on Thursday, saying its General Council approved the refunds at its meeting on September 26, 2026.
The development follows South Africa’s transition to the Nusuk Direct Hajj model for the 2026 Hajj season, which prompted SAHUC to review the registration fees previously paid by pilgrims.
SAHUC said the registration fee had been expressly classified as non-refundable in the terms and conditions that pilgrims were required to read and accept during registration. The provision is also contained in the council’s constitution.
The council clarified that the registration fee was separate from the accreditation fee paid by pilgrims after receiving Hajj accreditation.
According to SAHUC, the registration fee ranged from R100 (N8,025) to R309 (N26,487), including VAT, depending on the year in which the pilgrim registered.
The council said it sought independent religious and legal advice before making its decision.
It consulted three independent Fatwa Committees/Darul Ifta and its legal advisers on the purpose of the registration fee and how the funds had been utilised.
SAHUC said all three Fatwa Committees/Darul Ifta and its legal advisers advised that the council was not required to refund the fees, based on the purpose and utilisation of the funds.
Despite the advice, the General Council resolved to proceed with the refunds.
South Africa to Refund Hajj Registration Fees Paid for 10 Years
SAHUC said it would issue a further announcement outlining the refund claim process, required documentation and the timeframe for processing applications.
The council urged eligible pilgrims not to submit online queries or refund requests yet, asking them to await the official procedure to ensure claims are processed efficiently and consistently.
SAHUC also said pilgrims who choose not to claim their refunds may leave the funds with the council, which would utilise them towards the continued service and development of Hajj and Umrah initiatives for future pilgrims.
The council said the decision was taken with the interests of pilgrims and the future of Hajj and Umrah services in South Africa in mind.
SAHUC urged pilgrims to follow its official communication platforms and website for further updates on the refund process.
