Saudi Arabia cracks down on fraudulent Hajj campaigns, urges pilgrims to use official channels
MAKKAH — Saudi authorities have arrested several individuals involved in fraudulent Hajj operations, including the promotion of fake Hajj campaigns on social media platforms, the Ministry of Interior announced Friday.
The Public Security Directorate apprehended suspects accused of falsely advertising services such as accommodation and transportation within the holy sites, offering to perform Hajj rituals on behalf of others, providing and distributing sacrificial animals, and selling unauthorized seasonal wristbands.
The Ministry confirmed that all those arrested have been referred to the Public Prosecution after legal procedures were completed.
Authorities stressed that domestic pilgrims must obtain official Hajj permits through the "Nusuk" platform, while international pilgrims must secure a Hajj visa issued by authorized Saudi authorities, coordinated through the digital "Tasreeh" platform.
Regarding the sale and distribution of sacrificial animals and charity offerings on behalf of pilgrims, the Ministry of Interior reiterated that the Saudi Project for the Utilization of Hady and Adahi is the official authority responsible for these services. Purchases and order tracking can be made through its official website or by contacting the unified service number (920020193).The Ministry urged citizens and residents planning to perform Hajj to strictly follow official procedures and to report any suspicious activities or fraudulent campaigns by calling (911) in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and (999) in other parts of the Kingdom.Authorities have repeatedly warned prospective pilgrims against falling for fake advertisements and offers, encouraging them to engage only through official channels.The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah previously emphasized that official Hajj travel can only be conducted through a valid Hajj visa, issued via Saudi-designated agencies across 80 countries, or through direct booking on the 'Nusuk Hajj' platform for pilgrims from approximately 126 countries.For domestic pilgrims, the Ministry stated that the "electronic track" on the Ministry's official website and the "Nusuk" app are the only official channels for booking Hajj packages. Information or offers circulating outside these platforms are considered misleading and are not recognized by the official authorities.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
3 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia assumes command of Combined Task Force 150
Saudi Gazette MANAMA — The Royal Saudi Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force 150, a multinational maritime task force, from the Royal New Zealand Navy during a change of command ceremony held onboard Naval Support Activity, in Bahrain on Tuesday. The ceremony was presided over by U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Royal New Zealand Navy Commodore Rodger Ward turned over command to Royal Saudi Navy Commodore Fahad S. Al Joaid. The handover ceremony was also attended by Chief of Staff of the Saudi Naval Forces Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Gharibi; Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain Naif Al-Sudairy; and a number of officials, ambassadors, and military attachés. After assuming command of the task force, Fahd Al-Joaid delivered a speech in which he affirmed the full readiness of the naval forces to carry out their assigned duties. 'This mission carries great responsibility. We will build on the achievements of our predecessors and work closely with all CMF partners to safeguard these vital waters together,' he said. Al-Joaid noted that this marks the fourth time the Kingdom has had the honor of leading the force. The Royal Saudi Naval Forces previously assumed command of CTF-150 from the British Royal Navy in 2018, the French Navy in 2020, and the Pakistan Navy in 2022. CTF 150 was established in February 2002, and is one of five operational task forces under Combined Maritime Forces. CTF 150 conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf against threats from non-state actors . CTF-150 is tasked with enhancing maritime security in its areas of operation the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean by combating terrorism and illicit activities such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and arms smuggling, in addition to protecting shipping lanes and ensuring the safe flow of global trade.
Asharq Al-Awsat
6 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Bus Crash in Afghanistan Kills More Than 70 Afghans Returning from Iran
A bus crash in northwestern Afghanistan killed at least 79 people returning from Iran, including 19 children, an official said. Two people were also injured in the crash, Ministry of Interior spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani told The Associated Press. Tolo News, citing the official, said the accident happened Tuesday around 8:30 p.m. local time in Herat province. The bus collided with a truck and a motorbike, causing a massive fire that killed many on the spot, the outlet reported. Traffic accidents are common in Afghanistan, mainly due to poor road conditions and driver carelessness. Nearly 1.8 million Afghans have been forcibly returned from Iran in the past few months. A further 184,459 were sent back from Pakistan and more than 5,000 were deported from Türkiye since the beginning of the year. Additionally, nearly 10,000 Afghan prisoners have been repatriated, mostly from Pakistan. The Taliban criticized neighboring countries in July for the mass expulsion of Afghans, as Iran and Pakistan expel foreigners who they say are living there illegally. The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said some 6 million Afghan refugees remain overseas.
Al Arabiya
a day ago
- Al Arabiya
Death toll from blast at factory in Russia's Ryazan region rises to 25
The death toll from an explosion last week at a factory in Russia's Ryazan region has risen to at least 25, with 158 people injured so far, the country's emergency services ministry said Tuesday on social media.
