The Saudi Arabia ministry of interior says pilgrims without valid hajj permits will face deportation and a 10,000 Saudi Riyal ($2,666) fine.
In a statement on Tuesday, Fatima Usara, spokesperson for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), said the directive was contained in a May 22 letter delivered to the foreign affairs ministry by the Saudi Arabia embassy.
She added that the directive reflects the position of the Saudi council of senior scholars.
“This is to remind or inform the public of the warning issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against participating in hajj without a valid hajj visa,” Usara said.
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“The Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior stipulated a penalty of deportation and a fine of 10,000 SAR for anyone caught performing hajj without the authorized Hajj permit.
“In line with this, a similar message has been received by NAHCON through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja, disclosing the stance of the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars on the matter.
“The Council, in its fatwa (legal ruling), urged pilgrims to adhere to the rules and regulations aimed at enabling Muslims to perform hajj in safety and tranquility.
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“The Saudi Ministry of Interior also advised pilgrims 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 visas at attractive rates.”
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