SMF - Just Installed!
Posted by Mudhab
- Apr 15, 2026, 10:09 PMNational Hajj Commission of Nigeria has warned Nigerians to be careful of fraudsters claiming to offer Hajj visas after the official deadline for the 2026 pilgrimage. The commission said it has received many reports of scammers using travel agencies and social media to deceive people with false promises.
According to NAHCON, all qualified pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj were already issued their visas before the official closing date of 1st Shawwal 1447 AH (March 20, 2026). This means any offer of a new Hajj visa after that date is not valid and should be treated as a scam.
The commission also explained that Saudi authorities have stopped issuing Hajj visas and temporarily suspended other visa types. These include tourist, work, and family visit visas, meaning none of them can be used as a shortcut to perform Hajj this year.
NAHCON made it clear that Hajj cannot be performed using tourist, Umrah, or work visas. The only acceptable way is through an official Hajj permit issued through proper channels, especially via the Nusuk platform and approved bodies.
The commission warned that there are serious consequences for anyone who tries to perform Hajj without the proper permit. These penalties include up to six months in prison, a fine of up to SAR 20,000 (about ₦8.15 million), deportation, and a 10-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia again.
Finally, NAHCON advised Nigerians to always get information from official sources such as the National Hajj Commission and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards. People are also urged to avoid paying money to unknown individuals and to report any suspected fraud to the authorities immediately.
Source:
According to NAHCON, all qualified pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj were already issued their visas before the official closing date of 1st Shawwal 1447 AH (March 20, 2026). This means any offer of a new Hajj visa after that date is not valid and should be treated as a scam.
The commission also explained that Saudi authorities have stopped issuing Hajj visas and temporarily suspended other visa types. These include tourist, work, and family visit visas, meaning none of them can be used as a shortcut to perform Hajj this year.
NAHCON made it clear that Hajj cannot be performed using tourist, Umrah, or work visas. The only acceptable way is through an official Hajj permit issued through proper channels, especially via the Nusuk platform and approved bodies.
The commission warned that there are serious consequences for anyone who tries to perform Hajj without the proper permit. These penalties include up to six months in prison, a fine of up to SAR 20,000 (about ₦8.15 million), deportation, and a 10-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia again.
Finally, NAHCON advised Nigerians to always get information from official sources such as the National Hajj Commission and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards. People are also urged to avoid paying money to unknown individuals and to report any suspected fraud to the authorities immediately.
Source: