MEDINA - South African Muslims performing Umrah are now stranded due to flights being cancelled in the Middle East.
The US–Israeli attacks on Iran and Iranian retaliation has closed airspace in the region.
Yaseen Abrahams was due to return home yesterday, but travel disruptions have left him stuck in Saudi Arabia.
"That is one of the, I think, the key factors right now is the financial strain that it has on pilgrims that is within the cities because of an availability of hotels as well because of the month that we find ourselves in. It's a very auspicious and holy month for Muslims.
"And usually this time of the year, Medina and Makkah is sold to capacity. So number one is trying to find accommodation, availability. And of course, it's a different season of the year. So it comes at a cost for pilgrims this time of the year. However, there is fellow South Africans that is trying their utmost best, that have reached out and have made a certain types of accommodation available and meals available for free to pilgrims that is stranded within the cities of Medina and Makkah."
Meanwhile, the South African government said diplomatic missions will stay in close contact with affected South Africans via multiple communication platforms, as conflict escalates in the Middle East after US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is exploring several ways to help South Africans affected by widespread airspace closures, especially in key hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The government urges stranded nationals to stay in contact with the nearest South African embassy or consulate for updates. We’ll share more as the situation unfolds, stay tuned for further reports.