The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a stringent caution to all individuals intending to perform the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, explicitly warning against any attempt to undertake the sacred rites without obtaining the proper and valid visas.
Authorities emphasised that those who violate this regulation will be subject to severe penalties, including a substantial fine of 50,000 Saudi Riyals, which is equivalent to approximately ₦8.2 million Nigerian Naira, and potential imprisonment.
This critical advisory was delivered during a recent virtual preparatory meeting between officials from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the leadership of Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).
The purpose of the meeting was to review and align on the key preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage season.
During the discussions, Ustaz Abdallah Ash Shihry, the acting director-general and special assistant to the deputy minister in the Saudi Ministry, underscored the absolute necessity for strict adherence to all established deadlines for the 2026 Hajj operations.
He outlined a critical timeline that all participating countries, including Nigeria, must follow. Key milestones include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November, the final date for camp booking payments and confirmation of service contract packages by January 4, and the deadline for uploading all transport and accommodation contracts onto the official Nusuk Masar Portal by February 1. Furthermore, May 1, which corresponds to the 1st of Shawwal on the Islamic calendar, was firmly reiterated as the final deadline for the issuance of all Hajj visas.
In response, the Chairman and CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, provided assurances on behalf of Nigeria.
He pledged the commission’s full commitment to meeting all the stipulated deadlines and requirements. Professor Usman promised that NAHCON would work in very close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless, organised, and successful Hajj experience for all Nigerian pilgrims in 2026.
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cc: Daily Post NG
