The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has raises the alarm that some unscrupulous travelling agencies and Social Media Handlers, have taken a criminal dimension of issuing fake visas to some desperate Nigerians seeking to perform 2026 Hajj.
Speaking in a released, the Commission Deputy Director Public Enlightenment, Fatima Sanda Usara, said, “it has come to the attention of the Commission that certain unscrupulous individuals, operating through fraudulent travel agencies and fake social media accounts, are falsely claiming to have the authority to facilitate the procurement of Hajj visas, despite the official closure of visa issuance by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 1st Shawwal 1447 (20th March 2026).”
She reminded that the Commission, had successfully secured visas for all eligible intending Pilgrims registered for the 2026 Hajj before the deadline of 1st Shawwal 1447 AH.
“The general public are hereby advised to note that, Suspension of Visa Issuance, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially concluded the issuance of Hajj visas and has also imposed a temporary suspension on several visa categories, including tourist, work, and family visit visas.”
“No Alternative Visa Options, that, Hajj cannot be performed using tourist, Umrah, or work visas. The only valid authorisation is a designated Hajj permit, obtainable strictly through official channels” She explained.
The Commission warmed that, Strict Penalties, that the Saudi authorities have stipulated severe penalties for any individual found performing Hajj without a valid Hajj permit, including, Imprisonment for a term of up to six months.
“A fine of up to SAR 20,000 (approximately N8.15 million); and, deportation, accompanied by a ban on re-entry into the Kingdom for a period of ten (10) years.”
Fatima Sanda Usara, said that, Members of the public are encouraged to seek information on Hajj regulation from the National Hajj Commission or any of the States Muslims Pilgrims Welfare boards/Agencies/Commission’s.
“All Hajj registrations are conducted exclusively through the Nusuk platform and facilitated only by duly approved authorities. Members of the public are further strongly advised not to make payments to any individual or agency offering “guaranteed Hajj visas” through unofficial means.
“The Commission urges vigilance and encourages the reporting of such fraudulent activities to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.”
