The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has warned prospective pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj against attempting to undertake the sacred rituals without proper visas, indicating that offenders will encounter severe penalties, including a fine of ₦8.2 million and possible imprisonment.
This caution was communicated during a virtual conference between the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to assess the arrangements for the forthcoming pilgrimage.
As per a release from NAHCON’s information department, Ustaz Abdallah Ash Shihry, the interim director-general and special assistant to the deputy minister in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, underscored the importance of adhering to all deadlines pertaining to the 2026 Hajj activities.
Crucial dates include November for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), January 4 as the last day for camp reservation payments and confirmation of service contract packages, and February 1 as the cutoff for uploading transportation and accommodation agreements on the Nusuk Masar Portal.
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Saudi officials also stressed that May 1 (1st Shawwal) will remain the final date for visa issuance.
In response, NAHCON chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, assured the Saudi officials of Nigeria’s dedication to fulfilling the deadlines and prerequisites. He committed that the commission would collaborate closely with stakeholders to guarantee a seamless and successful Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims in 2026.