Saudi Arabian Authorities Warn Pilgrims Against Using Invalid Hajj Visas

Saudi Arabian authorities have issued a stern warning to all pilgrims participating in this year’s Hajj against entering the country with invalid Hajj visas.

In a warning issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Saudi Kingdom threatened severe penalties for any pilgrim or group found to have entered the country illegally.

The Ministry of Interior stipulated a penalty of deportation and a fine of 10,000 SR for anyone caught performing Hajj without an authorized Hajj permit.

The warning was conveyed to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja.

The communication disclosed the stance of the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars on the matter.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Hajia Fatima Sanda Usara, the Council issued a Fatwa (a legal ruling given by a recognized religious authority) emphasizing the prohibition of performing Hajj without a permit.

“The Council, in its Fatwa, urged pilgrims to adhere to rules and regulations aimed at enabling Muslims to perform the Hajj in safety and tranquility,” the letter to the commission reads in part.

Usara recalled that NAHCON had previously issued several warnings against Nigerians falling victim to scammers offering fraudulent job opportunities during the pilgrimage season.

Similarly, the Saudi Ministry of Interior advised against becoming victims of fictitious companies and fake social media accounts claiming to facilitate Hajj using Umrah, tourism, work, family visit, and other types of visas at attractive rates.

Assistant Director in charge of the Tour Operators Unit, Ahmad Shira, has since shared the contents of the message with all licensed Hajj and Umrah operators from both the public and private sectors.