Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom authorities have detained seven Nigerian pilgrims who are taking part in this year’s holy pilgrimage in Makkah for not having NUSUK identity cards.
Seven Nigerian pilgrims from two states were reportedly detained in front of their hotels on June 5 and 6 for possessing Nusuk ID cards, also known as hajj permits.
In Saudi Arabia, not having a Hajj permit and harbouring or assisting people who do not have one carries an SR10,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, deportation, and a 10-year ban from Saudi Arabia as a penalty.
The names of the imprisoned pilgrims had not yet been made public, and it was unclear whether they had been rescued thanks to the involvement of Nigeria’s hajj commission.
In response to the development, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, reiterated its call for the collecting and usage of the cards for the Hajj activity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In a circular sent to all state pilgrim welfare boards, agencies, and commissions, as well as licenced Hajj tour operators, the commission said that seven Nigerian pilgrims from two states were detained in front of their hotels on June 5 and 6 for possessing Nusuk ID cards.
This action, NAHCON cautioned in a circular signed by its Makkah Coordinator, Dr. Aliyu Tanko, on behalf of the chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, is anticipated to increase as the month of Dhul Hijjah begins soon.
The committee asked that all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operator businesses raise awareness among its pilgrims about the necessary holding of Nusuk ID cards.
The circular read:
“All pilgrims must collect their cards on arrival in Makkah from the Mutawwif officials.”
“It is imperative to carry these cards at all times, as they are the recognized means of identifying pilgrims and also having access to key areas during Hajj.”
“Pilgrims with smartphones can download the Nusuk app from Playstore or iTunes stores, use their passport and visa numbers to activate and access digital copies of their Nusuk cards.”
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cc: Daily Post Ng
