Hajj 2024: Saudi Government Warns Illegal Pilgrims With ‘Ummrah’ Visas

The Saudi government has issued strong warning to persons intending to perform this year’s Hajj without the approved type of visa.

All prospective pilgrims are required to obtain a Hajj Visa but, over the years, some visitors who get into Saudi Arabia through normal visitors visa, try to take advantage of their presence in Saudi Arabia to invade their country’s Hajj camps.

It is this practice Saudi authorities have threatened to punish severely this year.

In a letter to all countries and copied to the Chairman of Ghana’s Hajj Board, Ben Abdallah Banda, Saudi’s Ministry of Hajj says it has put in place stringent measures to fish out such illegal pilgrims and a severe punishment of a heavy fine and deportation awaits them.

The letter also stated that the Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a ‘fatwa’ to all Muslims prohibiting performing Hajj without a permit.

Read letter below:

Honorable Chairman of Hajj of the Republic of Ghana- may Allah preserve him.

May the peace and blessings be upon you.

SCHOLARS OPINION REGARDING PERFORMING HAJJ WITHOUT A PERMIT

I hereby wish to inform your outfit that the Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a ‘fatwa’ to all Muslims prohibiting performing Hajj without a permit.

This is in line with its bid to achieve the public interest and prevent harm to all pilgrims.

The Council recommended, through its statement, the need for pilgrims to adhere to the regulations and instructions that were issued to enable Muslims to perform the Hajj ritual in safety, ease and tranquility.

And in support of that Fatwa The Ministry of Interior in the Kingdom issued statement on 25-10-1445 AH in which it clarified the penalty for performing Hajj without a permit, and that the penalty is a fine of 10,000 riyals, in addition to expulsion of residents and visitors who violate the rules from entering the Kingdom.

In the same context, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah monitored advertisements of companies and fake accounts on social media claiming their ability to enable people to perform Haj rituals through Umrah, tourist, work, family, transit and other types of visas at attractive prices.

And in reality, this category of visas does not enable a person to perform Haji, but rather exposes them ○ punishment and accountability.

The Ministry has issued a statement warning all stakeholders against these fake advertisements and not to lured by fictitious companies and offices that claim to have commercial Haj, and other misleading names.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah hopes that you will cooperate in publishing the said fatwa’ and the resulting fines, and raise awareness among your citizens and residents of the necessity of adhering to the instructions and regulations concerning obtaining a Hajj visa before coming to the Kingdom, and that non can obtain Hajj visas except through your Pilgrims Affairs Office, and with the approval of Ministry of Haj and Umrah.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

DR. TAWFIQ BIN FAWZAN AL-RABIAH MINISTER OF HAJJ AND UMRAH