BRITISH CITIZENS AND SAUDI VISAS FOR HAJJ

Early day motion 481, tabled 26 January 2004 by Tony Colman (Labour). Signed by 35 members.

That this House notes that applications by British citizens for visas to visit Saudi Arabia for the purpose of performing Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, must be accompanied by return airline tickets; further notes that there is no certainty that a visa will be granted and that the substantial cost of a return fare to Saudi Arabia will be forfeited in the event of a refusal; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to represent to the Saudi authorities on behalf of British Muslims that they should either abolish the requirement to buy a ticket in advance or refund the cost to the ticket to unsuccessful applicants.

Signatures by party: Labour 24, Liberal Democrat 4, DUP 2, Scottish National Party 2, Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.