Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a warning to individuals planning to perform Haj 1445 AH-2024 against falling victims to the fake Haj companies.
Taking to X on Friday, April 26, Saudi ministry of Haj and Umrah said fake Haj companies often advertise on social media in various countries claiming to organize pilgrimage. at attractive prices.
In this regard, the ministry praised the Iraqi Supreme Authority for Haj and Umrah for its cooperation in arresting over 25 companies.
It appreciates the efforts made by other countries to combat this illegal activity.
According to the ministry, Umrah, tourism, work, family visit, transit visas, and other types of visas do not qualify their holders to perform Haj.
“It is crucial to understand that the Haj can only be undertaken with a Haj visa, issued by the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and coordinated with other countries through their Haj affairs offices or via the ‘Nusuk Haj’ platform for countries without official Haj offices,” the ministry said.
Falling for fake companies can lead to severe consequences, including financial loss and the inability to perform the Haj, it added.
The ministry has urged the public to promptly report any fake Haj companies and to seek verified information from official channels.
The issuance of Haj 2024 visas began on March 1 and close on April 29 with pilgrims starting to arrive in the Kingdom on May 9, 2024.
This year, the Haj is expected to start on June 14.
The Haj pilgrimage to Makkah is a mandatory religious duty that must be performed by those Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in a lifetime.
