The Saudi Arabian authorities have issued a stern warning against participating in the Hajj without a valid Hajj visa. Those caught violating this regulation will face deportation and a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals.
The warning was conveyed through a letter sent by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) via the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Public Affairs at NAHCON, emphasized the importance of adhering to these regulations.
“This is to remind or inform the public of the warning issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi against participating in the Hajj without the valid Hajj visa.
“The Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior stipulated a penalty of deportation and fine of 10,000 SR on anyone caught performing Hajj without the authorized Hajj permit.
“In line, a similar message has been received by NAHCON (National Hajj Commission of Nigeria) through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arab Abuja, disclosing the stand of the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars on the matter.
“The Council issued a Fatwa (a legal ruling given by recognized religious authority) to the Muslim Ummah emphasizing the prohibition of performing Hajj without a permit,” she said.
Usara further emphasized that the commission had previously issued warnings regarding fake job offers and unauthorized companies promising Hajj facilitation through Umrah, tourism, or work visas.
“In the same letter received by NAHCON on May 22nd 2024, the Saudi Ministry of Interior similarly advised persons against ‘becoming victims of the several fictitious companies and fake accounts on social media who claim to be agents/ authorities to facilitate Hajj using Umrah, tourism, work, family visit and other types of visa at attractive rates,” she added.
Saudi Arabia Warns Against Hajj Participation Without Valid Visas is first published on The Whistler Newspaper