“French Lodge” established for pilgrims from France

2nd March 2007

As the number of pilgrims coming for Hajj from France has been increasing steadily and with this rise there has been an increase in number of unscrupulous agents trying to take advantage, a “French Lodge” has been established with the aim of helping pilgrims from France to overcome their problems relating to Hajj.

The French Consul General Issa Maraut explained that the French Lodge is a consular office in Makkah to help pilgrims who came from France for this year’s Hajj.

Located in a three-room complex in Mercur Hotel in Makkah, it was manned by a staff of four people stationed there and two people who commuted between Jeddah and Makkah every day. The consul general said that the office offered 24-hour services to all pilgrims from France – citizens, foreigners, or those living in France. It followed pilgrims during and after Hajj – by computer or by telephone.

For the first time SAMU, or Medical Emergency Service Assistance, had sent five doctors and two nurses. There were two vehicles provided by SAMU, which were like well-equipped ambulances and capable of reaching the destination in a very short time. They were for use mostly in Makkah and Arafat.

“These vehicles were placed under the Saudi Ministry of Health, and were for all pilgrims not just the French. It is a sort of support for the huge Saudi effort,” Maraut said.

Maraut explained that according to the 1905 law separating religion from politics, France does not interfere in religious affairs, but noticing the importance of Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam, and the increasing number of pilgrims coming from France, it was decided to extend all possible help to the pilgrims so that they could perform the Hajj with ease and comfort. “Our goal is to help, protect an assist all pilgrims coming from France without interference in religion,” he said.

The consul general said that the Saudi authorities were very cooperative and helpful in the French efforts to be of assistance in the huge responsibility that the Kingdom successfully bears each year.