NAHCON Raises Alarm Over Fake Hajj Visa Agents
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NAHCON Raises Alarm Over Fake Hajj Visa Agents
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Hajj Commission, NAHCON has raised the alarm over the activities of fraudulent travel agents and fake social media operators allegedly deceiving members of the public with false promises of securing Hajj visas despite the official closure of the process.
In a public announcement issued on Wednesday, the commission said it had received reports of unscrupulous individuals claiming to facilitate Hajj visa procurement, even after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ended visa issuance for the 2026 pilgrimage on 1st Shawwal 1447 AH, corresponding to March 20, 2026.
The commission stated that it successfully secured visas for all eligible intending pilgrims who completed their registration before the deadline, stressing that no additional visas were available.
It noted that Saudi authorities had not only concluded Hajj visa issuance but also imposed a temporary suspension on other visa categories, including tourist, work and family visit visas.
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According to the commission, Hajj cannot be performed using alternative visa types such as tourist, Umrah or work visas, adding that the only valid authorisation remains a designated Hajj permit obtained strictly through official channels.
The commission warned that severe penalties await violators of Saudi regulations, including a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals (about N8.15m), as well as deportation and a 10-year ban from re-entering the Kingdom.
It urged members of the public to obtain information only from the commission and recognised State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, noting that all Hajj registrations are processed exclusively through the official Nusuk platform and approved authorities.
The commission also cautioned against making payments to individuals or agencies offering “guaranteed Hajj visas” through unofficial means, describing such claims as fraudulent.
It called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to relevant law enforcement agencies.
