2,717 Nigerian Pilgrims Denied Visas as Saudi Arabia Shuts Down Hajj Portal
- Ajibade Omolade Chistianah
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that 2,717 Nigerian intending pilgrims have been unable to secure visas for the 2025 Hajj following the closure of the Saudi Arabian visa portal.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publications, the commission expressed deep regret over the situation. Despite repeated appeals, Saudi authorities did not grant the request to reopen the portal, not even briefly, before final closure.
“Despite concerted efforts to get the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to consider reopening the visa portal even for an hour NAHCON is saddened that this was not achieved,” the statement read. “As a result, 2,717 pilgrims who registered late on both the Nigerian and Saudi sides have been affected.”
The commission noted that it had secured four deadline extensions during the registration process, including deadlines for fare remittances and visa issuance. However, it reiterated that the final cutoff date for visa processing remained April 19, 2025. Still, several intending pilgrims failed to complete their payments on time.
Following a surge of late requests, NAHCON said it sought and received approval for an additional one-month extension, which expired on May 19, 2025. After that, the portal was shut permanently, effectively ending visa issuance.
“NAHCON sympathizes with those affected and urges them to remain steadfast in faith, recognizing that Hajj is ultimately a divine invitation. The commission also advises future pilgrims to plan ahead and comply strictly with deadlines to avoid similar disappointments,” it added.
During the extended window, NAHCON revealed that State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and private tour operators were able to finalize arrangements for their clients. It further disclosed that 13,217 visas were issued to private tour operators, out of 14,158 registered pilgrims ndicating a high level of private sector participation.
“NAHCON went above and beyond within its legal means to accommodate additional pilgrims through licensed operators, thereby increasing the capacity of the private Hajj sector,” the statement emphasized.
The commission also raised concerns about unauthorized premium service arrangements. It warned that only Rawaf Mina Company is recognized as the official provider of Tent A+ services for the 2025 Hajj.
“Any agreements made with third parties outside the sanctioned arrangements will be at the risk of the operators and their clients. NAHCON will not be held liable for the consequences,” the agency stated.
Tour operators were cautioned to avoid actions that might endanger the welfare of pilgrims or violate Saudi regulations.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian pilgrims, NAHCON concluded by assuring the public that it remains actively engaged with Saudi authorities to ensure that both public and private sector Hajj operations meet international service standards.
Comentários