Advertisements
Saudi Arabia has issued a strong warning to anyone planning to participate in the Hajj in 2026 without the proper documentation. Violators will be subject to severe punishments, including a fine of ₦8.2 million and jail time.
During a virtual conference to discuss preparations for the 2019 trip, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) issued the warning.
Ustaz Abdallah Ash Shihry, acting director-general and special assistant to the deputy minister in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, emphasised the significance of strictly adhering to all dates governing the 2026 Hajj exercise, according to a statement from NAHCON’s communication section.
Advertisements
January 4 is the last day to pay for camp reservations and confirm service contract packages; February 1 is the deadline for publishing transportation and lodging contracts on the Nusuk Masar Portal; and November is the key date for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The Saudi government has further stressed that the visa deadline of May 1st (1st Shawwal) will not be changed.
In a statement made by Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Nigeria reassured the Saudi authorities that their country will fulfil all obligations and timelines.
He promised that all parties involved would work closely with the commission to make sure that the Hajj for Nigerians in 2026 went off without a hitch.