Saudi Arabia Imposes Strict Penalties for Umrah Pilgrims Performing Hajj Without Authorization

‎Saudi Arabia Imposes Strict Penalties for Umrah Pilgrims  Performing Hajj Without Authorization

‎By HIRO Researcher


‎The Saudi Arabian government has reaffirmed its strict regulations for Hajj 2025, warning pilgrims who attempt to perform Hajj on Umrah visas or without proper authorization will face severe penalties in Hajj 2026.

‎ According to Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, Deputy Director of Information and Publication at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) recently, individuals who travel on Umrah visas and join regular Hajj pilgrims through Pilgrims Welfare Boards will be arrested.

‎Penalties for Unauthorized Pilgrims and Helpers

‎- Pilgrims: Those found performing Hajj without proper authorization will be fined 20 Saudi riyals each.

‎- Helpers: Individuals who support or facilitate unauthorized pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents, will face a fine of 100 Saudi riyals each.

‎In addition to fines, offenders may also face imprisonment before paying the penalty. This regulation is not new but has been emphasized to manage the large influx of pilgrims and ensure a smooth and organized Hajj experience.

‎Rationale Behind the Regulation

‎The Saudi Arabian government aims to prevent overcrowding and maintain order during the pilgrimage. Unauthorized pilgrims often disrupt the system, causing issues with accommodation, transportation, medication, and food distribution. By enforcing these regulations, the government seeks to ensure that only authorized pilgrims participate in Hajj, allowing for more effective planning and management.

‎Important Deadlines and Requirements

‎- Umrah visa holders must exit Saudi Arabia by April 29, 2025, to avoid penalties.

‎- Only pilgrims with valid Hajj permits will be allowed to enter or remain in Makkah from April 29 onwards.

‎- Entry into Makkah will be restricted to individuals with valid authorization starting April 23, 2025.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HIRO Situation Report: Day 1 of Nigerian Pilgrims’ Return Journey – Air Peace, Max Air, and Flynas Operations (14th June 2025)

Image
HIRO SITUATION REPORT  Date: June 14, 2025   Prepared by: Dr. Hassan Idris, Executive Director, HIRO Abuja-FCT   Subject: Update on Pilgrims' Return Journey from Saudi Arabia (13th Dhul-Hijjah 1446 / June 13, 2025)   1. Current Evacuation Status   The return journey of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia commenced on June 13, 2025 (13th Dhul-Hijjah), as scheduled by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) .  The first phase of flights included :   - Imo State pilgrims airlifted via Air Peace (Flight APK7901 to Owerri, carrying 305 pilgrims and 7 officials). - Bauchi State pilgrims transported via Max Air (Flight VM269 to Bauchi, carrying 551 pilgrims and 7 officials) .   - Kebbi and Sokoto States pilgrims repatriated via Flynas (Flight XY9006 to Kebbi, carrying 413 pilgrims and 6 officials) .   As of today (June 14), 1,310 pilgrims have returned via four confirmed flights, includi...
Read more

HIRO Analysis: NAHCON's Strategic Visit to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026

Image
The HIRO noted with commendation that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is embarking on a critical visit to Saudi Arabia to officially sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. This visit is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia and underscores NAHCON's commitment to ensuring a successful and hassle-free Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims. Key Topics for NAHCON Visit to Saudi Arabia: 1. MoU Signing for Hajj 2026: Official signing of the MoU outlining terms and conditions for Nigeria's participation. 2 . Pilgrim Quota and Allocation: Finalizing Nigeria's pilgrim quota and allocation process. 3. Service Standards and Quality Control: Discussing service standards for accommodation, transportation, healthcare, and other aspects. 4. Collaboration and Partnerships: Engaging with Saudi authorities, tour operators, and stakeholders for collaboration. 5. Logistics and...
Read more

2025 Hajj: NAHCON Wraps Up Return Flights Successful ly , Urges Prayers for Nigeria

With commitment to better improved services, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully completed the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, marking the end of the 2025 Hajj exercise.  The final flight, carrying 87 or 88 pilgrims, departed Jeddah on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 10:30 am , concluding a 17 to 20-day return operation that began on June 13, 2025.    The Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, expressed gratitude to Allah for a smooth and successful Hajj, attributing the success to unity, cooperation, and adherence to guidelines among stakeholders and pilgrims. He also encouraged pilgrims to pray for Nigeria's progress and remember its leaders, and to sustain the friendships forged during the pilgrimage to foster peace and harmony. NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to improving services for Nigerian pilgrims in line with global best practices.   Sources: NAHCON, NAN, Premium Times
Read more