5 Mauritian Teenagers Granted Hajj Visas after Diplomatic Intervention

Five 15-year-old Mauritian pilgrims have finally been authorised to perform the Hajj in Mecca following a successful diplomatic intervention that resolved a sudden visa dispute with Saudi Arabian authorities.

The teenagers’ applications were initially rejected due to their age, following a new directive by Saudi authorities to cancel visas already granted to pilgrims under the age of 15.

The move sparked significant distress among families, prompting the Mauritian government to launch an urgent appeal.

Successful Negotiations

Shakeel Mohamed, the minister in charge of the dossier, announced that the situation was resolved following positive discussions with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Saudi Ambassador to Mauritius.

“They understood our situation and found the solution, agreeing that all five are allowed to go,” Mr Mohamed confirmed.

The logistical process for the teenagers is now moving rapidly:

• First Pilgrim: Scheduled to depart by plane this Sunday accompanied by family.
• Second Pilgrim: The visa process is currently underway.
• Remaining Three: Final arrangements are expected to be completed imminently.

“All is going well,” Mr Mohamed assured.

A “Team Effort”

The minister attributed the positive outcome to a “team effort,” specifically praising the Islamic Cultural Centre.

Officers at the centre were instrumental in reactivating the visa acquisition system to accommodate the teenagers.

The breakthrough is a major relief for the families involved, many of whom had prepared for this spiritual experience for a long time.

The initial decision to invalidate the teens’ travel authorisations had caused a wave of “vivid emotion” across the community before the diplomatic breakthrough was achieved.

Timeline of the Dispute

The issue arose when Saudi authorities suddenly decided to enforce a new age-based restriction for the Hajj 2026 season.

Despite the five adolescents being 15 years old and having already obtained their travel authorisations, their visas were caught in the sudden policy shift.

Following the ministerial intervention, the teenagers have now been cleared to proceed with their long-awaited journey to the holy city.

Source: Defi Media