What if a companion passes away?
Short answer: Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Stay strong. Inform the ambulance or police immediately, then contact your travel agent and the Pakistan Consulate. In Saudi Arabia, burial usually takes place there, and the paperwork goes through the hospital and the relevant authorities.
What happened
One of your companions has passed away in the hotel, the Haram or a hospital.
What to do now
- Call the unified emergency number or an ambulance at once, and if you are in the hotel, tell reception.
- Keep the deceased’s passport, visa and other documents safe.
- Inform your travel agent so they can notify the Saudi company.
- Contact the Community Welfare section of the Pakistan Consulate in Jeddah.
- Inform the family gently and wisely.
- Ghusl, janazah and burial will be arranged as directed by the hospital and authorities.
Who to contact
- The unified emergency number or ambulance
- Your travel agent
- Pakistan Consulate Jeddah, Community Welfare
- Nusrah volunteers
The numbers are on the “Emergency Numbers” page.
When to escalate
If the paperwork is held up or your agent can’t be reached, contact the Consulate and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on 1966.
Prevent it next time
- The group leader should keep copies of every pilgrim’s documents and a family emergency number.
- Take special care of elderly and unwell pilgrims.