As the Hajj season approaches, advertisements from fraudulent agencies targeting pilgrims are on the rise. These agencies falsely claim to offer enticing Hajj packages at attractive prices and luxurious services, along with fake promises of issuing Hajj visas. In reality, these offers are mere illusions designed to exploit the money of unsuspecting pilgrims.
Government authorities emphasize the importance of dealing only with official channels. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has said that the only approved visa for performing the Hajj pilgrimage is the Hajj visa itself — no other type of visa is accepted.
The Hajj permit is issued exclusively through the Nusuk app or the Permits Platform (Tasreeh), which was launched to provide a comprehensive religious experience for all pilgrims, whether inside or outside the Kingdom. The ministry warned that dealing with any entity other than Nusuk puts the pilgrim at risk of losing their opportunity to perform the pilgrimage.
In this context, the Ministry of Interior has announced the enforcement of legal penalties against anyone attempting to sneak into Hajj or enter the holy sites without a permit. Violators will face a fine of up to SR20,000 ($2,666), in addition to deportation for expatriates and a 10-year ban from entering the Kingdom.
A financial penalty of up to SR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who assists or shelters holders of visitor visas, whether in hotels, apartments, private residences, shelters, or housing sites for pilgrims. The fines will multiply with each violation.
The Saudi security forces have already arrested numerous individuals of various nationalities involved in fraudulent activities, including posting misleading advertisements for fake Hajj campaigns. These scams promised pilgrims accommodation, transportation within the holy sites, and even the issuance of visit visas.
The Kingdom continues to enhance public awareness by launching educational campaigns aimed at raising pilgrims’ awareness and curbing fraudulent activities.
Concerned authorities receive reports of fraud and Hajj regulation violations through:
- 330330 for fraud-related SMS messages.
- 911 for Hajj regulation violations in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
- 999 for the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
- 1966 for complaints and reports from pilgrims
All these efforts ensure the safety of pilgrims and secure performance of Hajj rituals.
