Palestinian refugees in Syria completed all required steps for Hajj registration. But they were excluded from the process by the Syrian Ministry of Awqaf.
On March 5, the ministry opened Hajj registration for 2025. The official statement listed required documents and conditions. But it made no mention of Palestinian refugees.
One of the conditions stated that applicants must have Syrian nationality. The usual phrase “or equivalent,” which often includes Palestinian refugees, was missing.
Sources told the Action Group that the decision came from Saudi authorities, not the Syrian ministry.
This is not a new policy. Last year, Saudi Arabia initially approved Hajj visas for this group. But it later canceled them after issuing a few, leaving many disappointed.
The Action Group urged Saudi Arabia to reverse the decision. It called for the right of all Palestinian refugees to practice their faith and perform religious duties.
The Palestinian travel document is issued by host countries like Syria. It allows travel, but many countries treat its holders unequally due to political concerns.
The Casablanca Protocol calls on Arab states to treat Palestinian refugees like citizens of host countries in civil and economic rights. Travel for Hajj and Umrah is part of that right.
