The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has responded to the outcry by intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah) over the visa issuance process.

The Commission in a letter by its spokesperson Fatima Sanda Usara disclosed that the current challenges faced by Nigerian Muslims in obtaining Umrah visas for travel to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan primarily stems from the misuse of privileges granted in the visa issuance process.

She stated that Umrah visas were allocated to countries based on quotas with Ramadan Umrah visas usually more expensive.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia extended the visa validity to 90 days. It is obvious many Nigerians secured these visas at lower costs during other periods, obviously in anticipation of performing Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan with them,” Fatima said.

“These individuals exploited the visa validity extension by either prolonging their stays in the kingdom or holding onto visas without utilizing them until Ramadan, resulting in a shortage of available visa slots for other Nigerians.”

According to her, the high demand for Umrah visas during Ramadan further exacerbated this shortage.

“The high demand for Umrah visas during Ramadan further exacerbates this shortage, leaving many Nigerians unable to fulfill their religious obligations. So far, few visas do drop occasionally based on the number of Nigerians that free up the space by departing from Saudi Arabia, but paying for such few slots is a gamble hence pilgrims for the lesser Hajj are advised to be wiser,” the statement read.

“Efforts are being made by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to address this issue. NAHCON’s Saudi Liaison Officer has engaged in multiple discussions with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah over the situation. Though these discussions have been constructive, he affirmed that the visa allocation follows a computerized system.”

The Commission, she says, is working tirelessly to ensure a satisfactory resolution is achieved.

“We want to assure all Nigerian Umrah hopefuls that NAHCON remains committed to resolving this issue,” the commission’s spokesperson said.

“NAHCON will continue to work tirelessly in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to find a satisfactory resolution to the visa inaccessibility.” (Channels)

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