Anxiety and frustration grip intending pilgrims from Nigeria as Saudi Arabia’s decision to cease issuing Umrah visas threatens their plans for the 2024 Ramadan pilgrimage.
The move, reported by the Daily Trust, has left thousands uncertain about their journey, with the fasting period already in its 11th day.
The ramifications of this decision extend beyond individual pilgrims, as hajj and Umrah operators brace themselves for substantial financial losses. Hotel bookings in Makkah and Madinah are at risk, with flights intended for Umrah travel already facing cancellations and rescheduling.
A recent incident at Kano Airport serves as a stark example. A scheduled flight bound for Saudi Arabia failed to depart as over 300 intending Umrah pilgrims were unable to secure their visas in time.
Traditionally, Ramadan marks the Umrah season in Nigeria and other Muslim-majority countries, with many seeking to spend the final 10 days of fasting in Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser hajj.
However, this year’s plans have been thrown into disarray by the Saudi authorities’ decision not to issue visas, leaving numerous pilgrims deeply agitated.
In Kano, a significant number of intending pilgrims are still awaiting entry visas to embark on their pilgrimage.
Travel agents attribute the visa issuance slowdown to a new policy implemented by Saudi authorities. According to Haruna Ismail, Kano Zonal Chairman of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), the policy mandates a three-month visa validity with a two-week duration of stay, leading to delays and confusion among pilgrims.
Abdulaziz Sabitu Mohammed, AHUON Vice Chairman, revealed that over 7,000 intending pilgrims have obtained visas but have yet to enter Saudi Arabia.
He highlighted the discrepancy between this year’s stringent policy and previous years’ practices, resulting in significant challenges for both pilgrims and operators alike.
Despite efforts to resolve the issue, including discussions with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), many pilgrims find themselves in limbo, some resorting to paying exorbitant amounts to secure visas.
Intending pilgrims like Babangida Danazumi and Sadi Hamisu Ala express frustration over the disruption of long-awaited plans, calling on NAHCON to intervene on their behalf.
Alhaji Yahaya Nasidi, President of AHUON, paints a grim picture, estimating that up to 90% of intending Umrah pilgrims may miss the pilgrimage due to visa complications, leading to substantial losses for both pilgrims and operators.
The decision by Saudi authorities to halt visa issuance stems from concerns over overcrowding, with reports of pilgrims overstaying their visas from previous trips.
The move aims to alleviate congestion and ensure a smoother pilgrimage experience for all participants during the holy month of Ramadan.
While the reasons behind Saudi Arabia’s visa policy shift are clear, the ramifications for Nigerian pilgrims remain dire, with uncertainty looming over the fate of this year’s Umrah pilgrimage. Efforts to seek clarification from NAHCON have been met with silence, leaving many pilgrims and operators in a state of apprehension.
