The decision by Saudi Arabian authorities to halt the issuance of Umrah visas has thrown the plans of numerous intending pilgrims from Nigeria into disarray, potentially leading to their exclusion from the 2024 Ramadan Umrah pilgrimage.
This move has sparked widespread concern and unrest among prospective pilgrims, especially with Ramadan fast approaching its 11th day.
As reported by Daily Trust, the situation has set off a wave of anxiety among individuals and travel agencies alike, who now face significant financial risks due to the disruption in hotel bookings in Makkah and Madinah.
The repercussions are evident, as numerous flights designated for Umrah pilgrims are being either cancelled or rescheduled.
As an illustration of the extent of the issue, a flight scheduled to depart from Kano to Saudi Arabia carrying over 300 intending Umrah pilgrims failed to take off on Tuesday due to the inability of most passengers to secure visas.
Traditionally, Ramadan marks a peak Umrah season in Nigeria and other Muslim-majority countries, as adherents endeavor to spend the final 10 days of the month-long fasting period in Saudi Arabia to undertake the lesser hajj.
However, this year, the plans of many Muslims are jeopardized by the Saudi authorities’ decision not to issue visas, leading to widespread agitation.
In Kano specifically, hundreds of intending Umrah pilgrims are currently awaiting entry visas, with no clear resolution in sight. Some travel agents attribute the situation to a newly implemented visa policy by the Saudi government.
Commenting on the matter, Haruna Ismail, the Kano Zonal Chairman of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), pointed to the visa policy’s stringent conditions, including a three-month validity period and a two-week duration of stay, as a significant bottleneck in visa issuance.
Ismail explained that many pilgrims, having secured visas since Rajab, delayed their entry until Ramadan due to the visa’s extended validity period, unaware of the complexities surrounding its usage.
The current predicament underscores the need for clarity and flexibility in visa policies to ensure smooth and timely facilitation of religious pilgrimages, while also highlighting the importance of effective communication to prevent such misunderstandings in the future.
“Once a client pays for an Umrah package and his visa is delayed or not given, then we have to either reschedule his ticket or refund his money and either way is a loss,” the agent explained.
Likewise, Abdulaziz Sabitu Mohammed, Vice Chairman of AHUON, reported that over 7,000 individuals intending to undertake Umrah have obtained visas but have not entered the kingdom.
He mentioned that 260 of his clients have their air tickets confirmed but are awaiting visas. Additionally, he noted that only approximately 40 clients have successfully secured visas for this year’s lesser hajj, a significant decrease compared to previous years.’
“From our estimation last year, Saudi Arabia received more than 25 million Umrah pilgrims out of which, three million performed Umrah in Ramadan, but this year, because of the new visa policy, three months validity and duration of stay of two weeks instead of one month, made many to overstay in the Kingdom. There were people who visited since Sha’aban (8th month) and stayed after performing the Umrah,” he said.
Mohammed conveyed that discussions regarding the issue with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, have taken place. He expressed hope that the matter would be resolved before the middle of Ramadan.
However, prospective Umrah pilgrims are growing increasingly frustrated with the situation. Many have resorted to paying excessive amounts just to secure their visas. Some are even willing to pay as much as N2 million, far above the usual cost of less than half a million naira. Babangida Danazumi, an intending pilgrim, lamented that despite annually traveling in a group of six, none of them received visas this time, prompting them to adjust their travel plans while awaiting visa approvals. He voiced his disappointment, having spent nearly a year preparing for the journey, and urged NAHCON to intervene.
Similarly, Sadi Hamisu Ala, another prospective Umrah pilgrim, shared his frustration, stating that he has been awaiting his visa since last month and is still waiting eight days into the Ramadan fast.
“Our booking was March 15, but we have to reschedule it because the visa is not ready. I belong to a group of eight persons and we bought our tickets seven months ago, believing that visas will be easy as every year. Usually, it is cheaper to book ahead and it makes things easier,” Ala said.
He urged NAHCON to step in, emphasizing that the majority of pilgrims offer prayers for their leaders and the nation during their time in the holy land.
Alhaji Yahaya Nasidi, President of AHUON, corroborated this in a conversation with our correspondent, stating that 90 percent of prospective Umrah pilgrims would be unable to participate in the Hajj due to visa issuance issues.
He said, “It is just unfortunate. Many people have cancelled their flights. The predicament is that most travel agents have made arrangements for hotels for the pilgrims and the pilgrims are not going. We don’t know how it is going to be. There would be a huge loss on hotels particularly.”
He expressed that NAHCON faces challenges in addressing the issue, noting that many individuals would be unable to undertake Umrah during this year’s fasting period.
According to Daily Trust, the Saudi authorities’ decision to cease issuing visas was attributed to overcrowding, as some prospective pilgrims who had previously been granted visas failed to depart the country.
A statement from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah earlier in the week stated, in part: “During the holy month, permits for performing two or more Umrah pilgrimages will not be issued. This measure aims to alleviate congestion and allow other pilgrims the opportunity to perform Umrah comfortably during this sacred period.”
At the time of contact, NAHCON’s spokesperson, Hajia Fatima Sanda Usara, opted not to provide a comment.
