Saudi authorities have issued an urgent and renewed warning to prospective pilgrims against a surge of fraudulent Hajj campaigns proliferating on social media platforms. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has emphatically stated that any advertisements for Hajj services found outside the official "Nusuk" platform are deceptive and should be avoided at all costs.
These unauthorized campaigns, frequently appearing on platforms such as X and Facebook, falsely claim to offer accommodation and transportation within the holy sites. However, they have been increasingly linked to sophisticated financial scams designed to defraud unsuspecting pilgrims of their money.
The Public Security Directorate has already taken decisive action, announcing the arrest of five individuals implicated in promoting these fake Hajj packages online. The arrested individuals now face serious charges of fraud and violations of established Hajj regulations.
The "Nusuk" platform, a secure digital infrastructure developed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, stands as the sole official gateway for international pilgrims originating from over 50 countries. Through Nusuk, pilgrims can access a comprehensive list of licensed Hajj service providers and select packages tailored to their preferences regarding quality and pricing, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Crucially, the Nusuk platform operates in seamless integration with the Ministry of Interior's unified digital permit system, known as "Tasreeh." This system, launched in partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), further enhances the security and legitimacy of the Hajj process.
Ahmed Bajaafer, an advisor to the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah, underscored the critical importance of using the official channels. "Anyone attempting to bypass the Nusuk platform risks losing their opportunity to perform Hajj," he stated firmly, describing the unofficial online advertisements as "outright scams."
In an official statement released on X, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reiterated a vital piece of information: no visa, regardless of its category, grants its holder the authorization to perform Hajj except the specifically designated Hajj visa. Attempting to enter Mecca or participate in any pilgrimage rituals without the correct documentation constitutes a direct violation of Saudi Hajj laws and will likely result in severe penalties.
The Ministry has proactively called upon the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious advertisements or unauthorized Hajj service providers immediately. Within Saudi Arabia, individuals can dial 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in all other regions. Residents living abroad who encounter deceptive campaigns are strongly encouraged to notify their local authorities.
Adding to the urgency, the Saudi government has announced that all Umrah visa holders are required to depart the Kingdom by Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (1 Dhul-Qi’dah 1446 AH), as preparations for the annual Hajj pilgrimage intensify across the country.
With millions of pilgrims expected to converge on Mecca in the coming weeks, Saudi Arabia is placing paramount importance on ensuring a safe, transparent, and fraud-free pilgrimage experience. The emphasis on utilizing the official digital infrastructure, particularly the Nusuk platform, is a key component of this strategy, designed to protect pilgrims from exploitation and ensure an orderly and spiritually fulfilling Hajj.
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