Saudi strict measures against anyone who misuses visas for the Hajj

JAKARTA – The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has stated that it will take strong action against anyone who misuses visas, with the exception of those issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia for the Hajj.

“The Saudi Arabian government will take strong action against anyone using visas outside the official Hajj visa,” Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said, as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, April 30.

Yaqut’s confirmation was conveyed after the ranks of the Ministry of Religion held a meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah in Jakarta.

Yaqut said the provisions that Indonesian pilgrims must comply with. The visa used to perform the pilgrimage is only an official visa, namely a Hajj and Mujammalah visa.

While pilgrimage visas, ummalvisa (workers) or visas that fall outside the provisions cannot be used for Hajj.

This provision also follows offers circulating on social media about Hajj offers without having to queue. In fact, Hajj, especially for people in Indonesia, has a binding provision.

“Outside visas (hajj and mujammalah visas) cannot be used. Pilgrimage visas, ummal visas and visas used for Hajj services cannot be used,” he said.

In addition to discussing visas for the pilgrimage, the hour-and-a-half meeting also discussed preparation for the Hajj season, ease of vision and treatment of Indonesian pilgrims when they later visit Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq F. Al Rabiah conveyed the same. He stressed that no one should undertake the pilgrimage without availing the visas as regulated and issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“So that no one is allowed to perform the pilgrimage except with the help of procedural visas,” he said.

Tag: Arabic Saudi ibadah haji