Any reason why there seem to be plenty of Hajj flights from MAN, but few from BHX (unless I'm much mistaken).
Amex,
I passed through JED a few years ago, and there was a flight arriving from western Africa. It was just after the Hajj season, but as I understand it, trips to Mecca (Umra?) may still be taken at other times of the year.
The pilgrims had brought their food for the trip with them, and customs officials were just pouring it out all over the counter, showing no concern at all for their guests. Now I know there are lots of things they don't want you to bring in to KSA, but there are ways of doing this in a courteous manner, without sending people on hungry and humiliated.