The Saudi Arabian Kingdom’s authorities have detained seven Nigerian pilgrims participating in this year’s holy pilgrimage in Makkah for not possessing NUSUK identity cards.
These seven Nigerian pilgrims from two states were reportedly apprehended in front of their accommodations on June 5 and 6 due to the absence of Nusuk ID cards, also known as hajj permits.
In Saudi Arabia, the absence of hajj permits, or assisting individuals without them, can result in severe penalties, including a fine of SR10,000, six months of imprisonment, deportation, and a ten-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia.
The identities of the detained pilgrims have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether they have received assistance from Nigeria’s Hajj commission.
In response to this incident, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) reiterated its call for the acquisition and utilization of these cards for the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Through a directive issued to all state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies, commissions, and licensed Hajj tour operators, the commission revealed that seven Nigerian pilgrims from two states were detained in front of their lodgings on June 5 and 6 for lacking Nusuk ID cards.
NAHCON cautioned in the circular, signed by Dr. Aliyu Tanko, the Makkah Coordinator, on behalf of the chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, that such incidents are likely to increase as the month of Dhul Hijjah approaches.
The commission urged all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operators to raise awareness among pilgrims about the mandatory possession of Nusuk ID cards, emphasizing that pilgrims must collect these cards upon arrival in Makkah from the Mutawwif officials.
Furthermore, the commission emphasized the importance of carrying these cards at all times, as they serve as the primary means of identifying pilgrims and accessing key areas during Hajj. Pilgrims with smartphones were advised to download the Nusuk app from Playstore or iTunes, activate it using their passport and visa numbers, and access digital copies of their Nusuk cards.
Regarding the penalties, NAHCON warned that failure to have hajj permits, harboring or aiding those without them, could lead to an SR10,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, deportation, and a ten-year ban from Saudi Arabia.
“We urge all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operators to ensure strict compliance with these guidelines to prevent any inconvenience or disruption during the spiritual journey,” the commission emphasized.
NAHCON recently urged pilgrims to use NUSUK cards (identification and access cards) to avoid arrest by the Saudi Arabian authorities.
Chairman Jalal Arabi, in a statement by Assistant Director of Public Affairs Hajia Fatima Sanda-Usara, stated: “The commission wishes to address the recent concerns and complaints regarding pilgrims being arrested or denied access to the Masjidul Haram in Makkah due to the lack of NUSUK ID cards.
“Before the commencement of the transportation of pilgrims, NAHCON emphasized the importance of these cards at various meetings with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Hajj Tour Operators in Nigeria.
“The card is a vital document required for identification and access to the holy sites during the Hajj pilgrimage.
“The highest religious authority in Saudi Arabia has issued a fatwa mandating every pilgrim to obtain a Hajj permit for the well-being of all.”
