NAHCON Warns Against Fake Hajj Visa Offers as Saudi Arabia Closes Issuance
By Esther Bello
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a public warning to Nigerians over the activities of fraudulent agents claiming to facilitate Hajj visa procurement despite the official closure of visa issuance by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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In a public announcement, the Commission said it had received reports of unscrupulous individuals operating through fake travel agencies and social media platforms, misleading intending pilgrims with promises of “guaranteed Hajj visas.”
NAHCON clarified that Saudi authorities officially closed Hajj visa issuance on 20 March 2026 (1st Shawwal 1447 AH), adding that all eligible Nigerian pilgrims registered for the 2026 Hajj had already been issued visas before the deadline.
The Commission stressed that there are no alternative visa options for performing Hajj, warning that tourist, work, or Umrah visas cannot be used for the pilgrimage. It noted that only a designated Hajj permit obtained through authorised channels is valid.
The advisory also highlighted strict penalties imposed by Saudi authorities on violators, including up to six months’ imprisonment, fines of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately ₦8.15 million), and deportation with a 10-year re-entry ban.
NAHCON further disclosed that Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended several visa categories, including tourist, work, and family visit visas, as part of its Hajj regulatory measures.
To safeguard intending pilgrims, the Commission urged the public to rely only on official channels, including the National Hajj Commission and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, for information and processing.
“All Hajj registrations are conducted exclusively through the Nusuk platform and facilitated only by duly approved authorities,” the statement noted, warning against making payments to individuals or agencies offering unofficial visa arrangements.
The Commission called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspected fraudulent activities to law enforcement agencies, emphasising that compliance with official procedures remains the only guarantee for legitimate participation in the Hajj exercise.