Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims to avoid fake Hajj permits, warns of penalties

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a strong warning against dealing with unofficial channels which promote irregular Hajj permits, emphasising that permits must only be obtained through officially approved channels.

The Ministry affirmed that Hajj visa is the only permitted way to perform the pilgrimage and that any attempt to bypass these channels exposes the individual to accountability and legal penalties.

Obtaining an official permit primarily aims to protect the rights of pilgrims and enable them to benefit from logistical and health services in the holy sites, within an integrated security system which ensures everyone's safety, the Ministry clarified.

The Ministry urged all those wishing to perform the pilgrimage to verify the credibility of the entities they deal with, stressing that the channels affiliated with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah are the reliable reference to ensure a safe and organised Hajj environment, away from the dangers of fake campaigns that exploit Muslims' desire to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.