
Hajj scam alert: How to verify licensed service providers
Listen to article
As millions of Muslims prepare for their Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) has issued a critical warning against fraudulent Hajj campaigns, urging pilgrims to use only licensed service providers for a smooth and safe experience.
To help ensure authenticity, the ministry recommends pilgrims use their official website, www.haj.gov.sa, to verify licensed Hajj operators. This applies to domestic pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents, who can access a simple online tool to check accredited companies.
For UAE nationals, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) maintains a list of approved operators on awqaf.gov.ae.
International pilgrims have two main options to ensure their chosen provider is licensed. Those from eligible countries can use the Nusuk platform at hajj.nusuk.sa, an online service that facilitates Hajj bookings with accredited providers. A full list of eligible countries is available on the platform's website.
For those unable to use Nusuk, international pilgrims should consult their local Hajj Committee or Commission to obtain a list of licensed Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) for 2024.
The Ministry of Hajj has emphasized that all pilgrims must secure a valid Hajj visa through official channels, either via Hajj Affairs Offices in over 80 countries or through the Nusuk platform.
The ministry also encourages pilgrims to contact the official call centre for assistance, available 24/7 in multiple languages. The contact details are as follows:
Unified number (Saudi Arabia): 1966
International number: +966 9200 02814
Email: care@haj.gov.sa
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Iran says US travel ban shows ‘deep hostility' for Iranians, Muslims
Tehran on Saturday blasted U.S. President Donald Trump'stravel ban on countries including Iran, saying it showed 'deep hostility' toward Iranians and Muslims. 'The decision to ban the entry of Iranian nationals - merely due to their religion and nationality - not only indicates the deep hostility of American decision-makers towards the Iranian people and Muslims but also violates… international law,' a senior foreign ministry official said in a ministry statement posted on the X platform. Separately, Iran on Saturday condemned new sanctions imposed by the United States targeting more than 30 individuals and entities Washington said are part of a 'shadow banking' network linked to Tehran that has laundered billions of dollars through the global financial system. 'The new U.S. sanctions …, are illegal and violate international law, and are further evidence of the deep and continuing hostility of the U.S. ruling regime towards the Iranian people,' foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement carried by state media. Trump reinstates US travel ban, bars citizens of 12 countries Trump's travel ban will bar citizens from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The ban, which Trump said was necessary to protect against 'foreign terrorists', was reminiscent of a similar move he implemented during his first term in office from 2017 to 2021, when he barred travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations.


Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistani pilgrims laud Saudi Arabia for ‘impressive' Hajj arrangements
Over 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia this year to perform the annual pilgrimage. Photo Courtesy: Harmain Listen to article Pakistani pilgrims on Saturday lauded the Saudi government for its 'impressive' arrangements during this year's Hajj, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said, as Muslims across Pakistan and the world celebrated Eid al-Adha. Over 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia this year under government and private schemes to perform the annual pilgrimage. 'I had a very good Hajj experience,' said Nadia Sarfaraz, a pilgrim from Karachi. 'Everything went smoothly and we have no complaints against anyone. The Saudi government is providing support here and our own government is helping a lot too.' To Arafat! Labbaik Allahuma Labbaik! — Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) June 5, 2025 Rabia Babar, a pilgrim from Islamabad, praised the facilitation of pilgrims, particularly women, highlighting the separate lifts and fully carpeted areas in Muzdalifah, where pilgrims spend the night. This year's Hajj saw heightened security and measures to combat illicit pilgrims, along with various heat mitigation efforts that resulted in smaller crowds at the holy sites in Makkah and surrounding areas. 'There were coolers and drinking water available everywhere,' Babar said. 'They had large refrigerators and provided water bottles and even shower facilities.' Faraz Latif, a pilgrim from Quetta, commended both the Pakistani and Saudi governments for the arrangements, urging fellow pilgrims to maintain cleanliness and embrace patience during and beyond Hajj. His Highness The Emir of Madinah performs Eid Al Adha prayers in Masjid Al Nabawi. — Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) June 6, 2025 'It will help you not just during Hajj but throughout your life,' he said. The first Pakistani flight carrying Hajj pilgrims back home is scheduled to arrive in Karachi on June 11.


Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Iran condemns Trump travel ban as 'deeply hostile' toward Muslims
Listen to article Iran on Saturday blasted US President Donald Trump'stravel ban on countries including the Islamic Republic, saying it showed "deep hostility" toward Iranians and Muslims. "The decision to ban the entry of Iranian nationals - merely due to their religion and nationality - not only indicates the deep hostility of American decision-makers towards the Iranian people and Muslims but also violates... international law," a senior foreign ministry official said in a ministry statement posted on the X social media platform. Trump's proclamation on Wednesday will bar citizens from 12 countries starting on Monday at 12:01 a.m. EDT (0401 GMT). The countries are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The ban, which Trump said was necessary to protect against "foreign terrorists", was reminiscent of a similar move he implemented during his first term in office from 2017 to 2021, when he barred travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations.