Jeddah, Saudi Arabia– Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Mohammed S. Barrie, paid a courtesy call on the Director-General of Hajj and Umrah Affairs in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Badr Muhammad Al Solami, on Thursday, 6th March 2025.
The meeting aimed to discuss issues related to the upcoming 2025 Hajj. Ambassador Barrie expressed his gratitude to Dr. Al Solami for granting him an audience amidst his busy schedule.
Ambassador Barrie made a plea to the Director-General for the embassy staff and other Sierra Leone nationals in the Kingdom to be granted accreditation for the 1446/2025 Hajj. He noted that these individuals have been instrumental in supporting the Presidential Hajj Task Force over the years by providing hospitality, facilitating access to accommodation, and assisting in tracking missing pilgrims.
Ambassador Barrie reiterated that Sierra Leone comprises 18 ethnic groups, with most pilgrims hailing from remote areas with no travel experience and limited Arabic language skills. He stressed the importance of accrediting embassy staff and Sierra Leonean students familiar with the Kingdom’s territory to guide Hajj pilgrims and provide translation services.
In response, Dr. Al Solami congratulated Ambassador Barrie on his appointment and extended an invitation for a desert entertainment tour. He advised the embassy to submit a request to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs in Jeddah for consideration. Dr. Al Solami clarified that the “Nusuk Hajj identification cards” would be issued to accredited Hajj personnel to facilitate their work, not to perform the Hajj.
Ambassador Barrie was accompanied by Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabba, Head of Chancery of the Embassy.
For enquiries: information.attache@sa.slembassy.gov.sl
