The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a stern warning to prospective pilgrims, cautioning them against falling victim to fraudulent schemes while booking their sacred journey to Hajj.
Emphasizing the necessity of booking through authorized channels, the ministry underscored that performing Hajj without proper permits constitutes a serious legal violation, subject to enforcement measures. To facilitate the booking process, the ministry highlighted the official website and the Nusuk application as the designated platforms for reservations within Saudi Arabia.
While pilgrims from Europe, America, and Australia can utilize the Nusuk platform, those from Islamic countries are directed to designated reservation offices for booking.
In response to the proliferation of fraudulent Hajj campaigns on social media platforms globally, an official source from the ministry has urged individuals to exercise utmost vigilance. The ministry has been meticulously monitoring advertisements and identifying fake accounts on social networks. It urged pilgrims to remain cautious and avoid deceptive campaigns promising Hajj at enticing prices.
Expressing gratitude for collaborative efforts, the ministry acknowledged the role of Iraq’s Supreme Authority for Hajj and Umrah in apprehending over 25 counterfeit companies engaged in commercial Hajj activities.
Highlighting the prerequisites for undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage, the ministry reiterated the importance of obtaining a Hajj visa for individuals from outside Saudi Arabia. It explicitly stated that individuals holding visas other than the Hajj visa are prohibited from participating in Hajj rituals within Saudi Arabia.
Stressing adherence to established rules and regulations, the ministry urged Muslims to steer clear of fictitious companies offering fraudulent Hajj services.
With a commitment to combatting fraudulent practices, the ministry continues to monitor advertisements and encourages cooperation in reporting unauthorized activities. It urged pilgrims to access official information through its website and social media channels. For inquiries and verification of approved companies, prospective pilgrims were advised to contact Saudi Arabia’s designated hotline.
