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Tag: Saudi Arabia

  • 2025 Hajj: NAHCON reacts over Saudi Arabia’s visa closure

    2025 Hajj: NAHCON reacts over Saudi Arabia’s visa closure

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has sympathised with intending pilgrims affected by the visa closure, urging them to trust that Hajj is Allah’s divine call.

    The commission said efforts to persuade the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reopen the visa portal were unsuccessful.

    This is contained in statement on Monday by Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication.

    The visa suspension affected 2,717 late-registered pilgrims from state welfare boards and licensed tour operators.

    By the time of the visa blockage, 13,217 visas were issued to tour operators, out of 14,158 registered pilgrims — reflecting strong private sector participation.

    “In spite of our concerted efforts to reopen the visa portal, even briefly, we regret to announce that this was not achieved.

    “In light of this, NAHCON consoles those affected, urging them to remain faithful, as Hajj is a spiritual calling answered only by Allah’s will,” Usara said.

    Pilgrims have also been advised to plan ahead to avoid future disappointment by observing deadlines during the Hajj preparation process.

    Usara recalled NAHCON’s intervening in February to secure Masha’ir slots for its coordinators, aiding both public and private sector intending pilgrims.

    “From registration’s start, NAHCON facilitated four deadline extensions — from fare remittance through to visa issuance.

    “In spite of repeated warnings about the April 19 visa deadline and its consequences, some pilgrims delayed payments beyond the set period.

    “Owing to multiple pleas, NAHCON formally requested a visa extension, which was granted, easing pressure for late-paying boards and operators.

    “However, access to visa processing was eventually blocked on May 19, marking the final closure,” she said.

    According to her, the one-month grace period helped many State Pilgrims’ Boards and operators finalise arrangements for their clients.

    Nonetheless, 2,717 pilgrims missed out due to late registration. Meanwhile, 13,217 tour operator pilgrims secured visas, showing robust private sector involvement.

    Usara noted that NAHCON also took extra steps, within legal bounds, to accommodate more pilgrims from licensed operators, further boosting their operational capacity.

    “In spite of these efforts, NAHCON received reports of some operators working with third parties for premium Tent A+ services,” she said.

    Usara stressed that only Rawaf Mina Company is authorised to provide Tent A+ services for the 2025 Hajj.

    She warned that the commission will not be liable for issues arising from unauthorised arrangements outside this recognised provider.

    She urged tour operators to avoid actions that may endanger pilgrims or violate Saudi regulations.

    “All stakeholders must operate within officially approved guidelines for the safety and wellbeing of Nigerian pilgrims.

    “NAHCON remains in contact with Saudi authorities to protect pilgrim interests and uphold international service standards for both sectors,” she said.

  • Saudi Arabia suspends work visas for Nigeria, 13 other countries

    Saudi Arabia suspends work visas for Nigeria, 13 other countries

    Saudi Arabia has given an issuance of block work visas for Nigeria and 13 other countries which are: Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Morocco, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

     Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, the Saudi Arabia’s minister of human resources and social development, confirmed that this temporary suspension on Saturday, May 31 with the aim of managing the influx of foreign labour during peak pilgrimage periods.

    AlRajhi stated that the suspension applies to both new and pending applications for temporary work visas, adding that this measure is part of broader efforts by the Saudi government to enhance regulatory control over immigration and employment.

    The suspension is expected to remain in effect until June 2025, aligning with the end of the Hajj pilgrimage season.

    AlRajhi noted that the move aligns with the ongoing Saudization policies, which aim to increase the employment of Saudi nationals in key sectors like tourism.

    He stated that the national hiring quotas are set to increase between 2026 and 2028.

    Some of the reforms are:

    1. No new block visa quotas will be issued for employers recruiting from the affected African nations.

    2. Delays are likely in processing previously approved quotas.

    3. Applicants with pending visa applications may face rejections or indefinite postponements.

    4. Individuals with valid work visas who have not yet entered Saudi Arabia may encounter entry restrictions.

    Block work visas are quota-based authorizations that allow Saudi employers to recruit a set number of foreign workers.

    Once a quota is approved, employers can apply for individual work visas for selected candidates.

  • 2025 Hajj: Heatwave scare spreads in Saudi Arabia; pilgrims advised on precautionary measures to take

    2025 Hajj: Heatwave scare spreads in Saudi Arabia; pilgrims advised on precautionary measures to take

    As Muslims from all over the world congregate in the annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East country’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued very strong heatwave warnings.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports millions of Muslims will observe the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia and according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), over 40,000 Nigerian pilgrims are already in the Middle East country with more said to join later.

    Saudi Arabia, through NCM issued the heatwave warnings for Hajj 2025, urging pilgrims to take precautions amid soaring daytime temperatures between 40°C and 47°C.

    The NCM forecasted challenging weather, including high temperatures, potential thunderstorms, and reduced visibility.

    TNG reports that in 2024, approximately 1.8 million pilgrims from within and outside Saudi Arabia performed the Hajj pilgrimage.

    At least 1,300 Hajj pilgrims died in the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage when humidity and heat pushed past survivable limits.

    With temperatures projected to reach up to 47°C this year, Saudi authorities said that they are implementing comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.

    According to the NCM, humidity levels are expected to fluctuate between 15 per cent and 60 per cent, potentially intensifying discomfort for pilgrims.

    “Northerly to northwesterly winds, blowing at speeds of 25 to 35 km/h, may raise dust and significantly lower visibility, especially in open areas and along highways leading to the holy sites.

    “Additionally, there is a possibility of thunderstorms forming over the Taif highlands between the 8th and 13th of Dhu Al Hijjah.

    “This may extend to Mecca and surrounding areas, accompanied by strong downdrafts that could worsen dusty conditions.” it said.

    In response to these forecasts, the NCM advised the pilgrims to take necessary precautions.

    “Pilgrims are advised to stay well-hydrated, use protective gear such as umbrellas, and adhere to official weather updates.

    “883 air conditioning units, 244 mist fans, and 3,139 ventilation fans have been installed throughout the holy sites to enhance comfort amid the desert heat.

    “Additionally, 432 fragrance diffusers will infuse the air with calming aromas, enhancing the overall atmosphere of tranquillity and reverence,” it said.

    It said that the recently inaugurated cooled pedestrian walkway in Makkah was part of the broader “Cooled Roads Initiative”.

    “It is aimed at reducing surface temperatures and enhancing comfort for the millions of pilgrims during the intense summer heat.

    “Mobility has also been addressed with the deployment of 400 electric carts, providing additional support for elderly and physically limited pilgrims in completing their rites.” It said.

    On the health precautions, the Saudi Ministry of Health had confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among the more than one million pilgrims who have arrived to perform Hajj rituals.

    According to the ministry, all affected individuals received immediate medical attention and are currently in stable condition.

    “Health teams are on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.

    “Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and severe thirst.

    “If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke. a life-threatening medical emergency within 10 to 15 minutes,” the health ministry said.

    To combat heatstroke risks, the ministry announced a series of measures in coordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.

    These include planting more than 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded pedestrian pathways to protect pilgrims from extreme heat.

    Soaring temperature: NAHCON advises pilgrims to stay in tents from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

    Meanwhile, NAHCON has advised pilgrims to stay in their tents from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to soaring daytime temperatures during the pilgrimage.

    Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, gave the advice while speaking to newsmen in Makkah on Sunday.

    Saleh said NAHCON had a stakeholders’ meeting where all the Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards were mandated to tell their pilgrims that no pilgrim would be allowed out of their  tents in Mina and Arafat due to soaring temperature.

    “Yesterday we called all the stakeholders. We met with them and mandated them to announce and tell their people that nobody is allowed to be out of the tent from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.

    “It is not advised to go out because the temperature is not normal this year. We also advised them to continue drinking water.

    “If it is necessary to be outside, let them go with water in hand. Let them take their umbrellas and use them, just because the temperature is not normal.

    The NAHCON chairman urged the media to help the commission to disseminate the information to the pilgrims to adhere to the heatwave warnings.

    “So, media, please you are our eyes, you are our voice to the public. Help us tell our people to regard this instruction”.

    NAHCON secures accreditation for main outpost clinics in Makkah

    Also, NAHCON had earlier disclosed it has secured accreditation for all its main and outpost clinics in Makkah for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

    NAHCON disclosed this in a statement by its Principal Information Officer, Shafii Muhammed, in Makkah on Thursday.

    Muhammed said that the commission made the announcement following the successful completion of the accreditation processes.

    Meanwhile, Dr Akeem Alawode, the Head of the National Medical Team (NMT), who disclosed the successful completion of the processes, commended the professionalism and dedication of the medical team.

    “On behalf of the Head of Mission and other principal officers of the National Medical Team, I thank Allah for the successful accreditation of all our main and outpost clinics in Makkah.

    “All our clinics are now fully operational without any restrictions,” Alawode said.

    TNG reports approximately 63,000 Nigerian pilgrims are expected for the 2025 Hajj.

  • NDLEA nabs 2 Saudi-bound pilgrims, businessman going to Iran for ingesting 155 cocaine wraps

    NDLEA nabs 2 Saudi-bound pilgrims, businessman going to Iran for ingesting 155 cocaine wraps

    .. intercepts N9.3billion worth of opioids in Rivers

    …arrests sponsors of Hajj pilgrims with cocaine

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered and dismantled a syndicate that sponsors hajj pilgrims who also serve as couriers to move cocaine to Saudi Arabia during pilgrimage. This followed the arrest of leaders of the cartel in Kano.

    The arrest of the kingpins: Abubakar Muhammad, Abdulhakeem Muhammed Tijjani, and Muhammad Aji Shugaba on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th May 2025 in Kano was a follow-up to the arrest of two pilgrims: Ibrahim Umar Mustapha and Muhammad Siraj Shifado at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Monday 26th May during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airline flight ET 940 to Jedda, Saudi Arabia. The interdiction of the intending pilgrims at the NDLEA final screening point at the Kano airport was based on credible intelligence. When they were taken for scanning, the result confirmed ingestion of illicit substances.

    They were subsequently placed on excretion observation during which they excreted 45 wraps of cocaine each, bringing the total for both to 90 pellets with a total weight of 1.04kg.
    Investigation soon unraveled their sponsors as leaders of a notorious drug trafficking network, which specializes in trafficking illicit drugs to Saudi Arabia. A swift follow-up operation was carried out, and the trio of Abubakar Muhammad, Abdulhakeem Muhammed Tijjani, and Muhammad Aji Shugaba were arrested on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th May 2025 in Kano.

    In a related development, NDLEA operatives at the Kano airport on Wednesday 28th May intercepted a 60-year-old businessman Chinedu Leonard Okigbo during the outward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR1432 to Iran. His body scan confirmed he ingested illicit substances as a result of which he was placed on excretion observation during which he excreted 65 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.41kg.
    At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state, no fewer than seven watch-listed containers were positioned for joint examination by NDLEA officers, men of Custom Service and other security agencies between Wednesday 28th and Friday 30th May, during which 825,200 bottles of codeine based syrup and trodol worth Five Billion Seven Hundred and Seventy Six Million Four Hundred Thousand Naira Only (N5,776,400,000) in street value were seized while a total of Five Million One Hundred Thousand (5,100,000) pills of opioids especially tapentadol 225mg worth Three Billion Five Hundred and Seventy Million Naira Only (N3,570,000,000) were recovered. This brings the combined street value of the opioids to Nine Billion Three Hundred and Forty-Six Million Four Hundred Thousand Naira Only (N9,346,400,000.00)
    In another operation in Kano, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Kano- Maiduguri road Friday 30th May intercepted the duo of Abubakar Hussein, 42, and Sahabi Adamu, 53, with Nine Hundred Thousand US dollars ($900,000) cash suspected to be counterfeit. The suspects and the exhibit will be transferred to the appropriate agency for further investigation.

    While a total of 390 compressed blocks of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 275.300kg were recovered from a parked Toyota Sienna vehicle marked YLA-408GG along Ngurore – Yola road, Adamawa state on Tuesday 27th May, NDLEA operatives in Kwara on Saturday 31st May arrested a notorious female drug dealer, Alhaja Mutiat Abdul-Fatai at Oja Oba area of Ilorin where various quantities of opioids including tramadol, flunitrazepam and codeine-based syrup were seized from her.
    The War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, social advocacy activities by NDLEA Commands equally continued across the country in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitization lecture delivered to students and staff of Government Day Senior Secondary School, Kwasarawa, Katsina; Corpus Christi College, Achi, Enugu; Epignosis Standard College, Onitsha, Anambra; Government Girls Secondary School, Utai, Wudil LGA, Kano; and Government Girls Secondary School, Calabar, Cross River, among others.

    While commending the officers and men of MAKIA, PHPC, Kano, Kwara, and Adamawa Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) equally praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for pursuing a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

  • Real reasons Saudi Arabia barred me from performing Hajj – Sheikh Gumi

    Real reasons Saudi Arabia barred me from performing Hajj – Sheikh Gumi

    Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has disclosed that Saudi Arabian authorities denied him entry into the country despite granting him a visa to perform the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

    In a Facebook post on Monday, Sheikh Gumi explained that although he received a valid Hajj visa, he was stopped from entering Medina, where he was to begin the religious rites.

    “For reasons clearly tied to my political views on global affairs, the Saudi authorities became uncomfortable with my presence despite issuing me a visa,” Gumi wrote.

    He expressed appreciation to Nigerian officials, stating that they had promised to address the matter with the Saudi government. “That is the beauty of our democracy and freedom,” he added.

    Gumi also noted that he would now use the time to focus on his health and agricultural activities, while calling on Nigerians to pray for the safe return of pilgrims and continued peace and progress in the country.

    According to reports by the BBC, Gumi was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON). He arrived in Medina on Saturday night via an Umza Air flight, alongside other clerics. However, Saudi immigration officials reportedly barred him from entering the city upon arrival.

    Sheikh Gumi has been an outspoken critic of Saudi Arabia and other Arab regimes in recent months, sharing several posts on his verified social media accounts that express strong opinions on Middle Eastern politics.

    In March 2025, he posted a video showing settlers allegedly abusing Palestinian women, commenting: “Israel: No respect for women, children, and human rights.”

    On May 15, he shared a video criticizing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visits to Arab nations, accusing Arab leaders of prioritizing the preservation of their monarchies over justice and human rights.

    “These leaders are only focused on securing their thrones. They fear opposition and are afraid of Western powers like America and France,” Gumi said in the video.

    He further criticized Arab leaders for allegedly welcoming Trump while he supported actions against Palestinians and facilitated investments for the U.S.

    In another post on May 13, Gumi shared an Al Jazeera report on Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia and wrote: “Trump in KSA while bombing Yemen and supporting Israel’s genocide by South African standards.”

    In a past interview with Daily Trust, Gumi dismissed the idea of a Two-State Solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating instead for a unified, inclusive region modeled after the religious diversity in America.

  • JUST-IN: Saudi Arabia bans popular Islamic cleric, Gumi from Hajj

    JUST-IN: Saudi Arabia bans popular Islamic cleric, Gumi from Hajj

    The Saudi Arabian authorities have banned Sheikh Ahmad, a prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar from participitating in the 2025 Hajj exercise and consequently deported him to Nigeria.

    Gumi, in a post on Monday confirmed on his Facebook that although the Saudi government had issued him a visa, he was denied entry into Medina upon arrival and was subsequently deported.

    “Due to some reasons related to my views on world politics, the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not want me to be present at Hajj even though they have granted me a visa,” Gumi stated.

    He further expressed appreciation to Nigerian authorities for pledging to engage with their Saudi counterparts to resolve the matter.

    Findings indicated that Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to provide religious services during the Hajj.

    He arrived in Medina last Saturday at about 10:30 pm aboard an Umza Air flight, alongside other clerics. However, he was stopped by Saudi immigration officials at the airport and denied entry.

    The cleric has since returned to Nigeria.

  • ‘Wife, mother’ of top notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero arrested in Saudi Arabia

    ‘Wife, mother’ of top notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero arrested in Saudi Arabia

    Two women believed to be the wife and mother of Ado Aliero, one of Nigeria’s most notorious bandit leaders, have been arrested by Saudi Arabia authorities.

    According to reports, the arrest occurred in Medina following an intelligence-led operation, with the duo allegedly living under false identities.

    The arrest is part of a growing effort to crack down on transnational networks aiding terrorism and banditry in Nigeria’s Northwest.

    Aliero, who has orchestrated numerous abductions and violent attacks across Zamfara and neighboring states, is among Nigeria’s most-wanted criminals.

    His network is believed to receive support from both local and international sources. Authorities suggest that the women in custody may have critical intelligence regarding Aliero’s location, movements, and financing.

    Nigerian and Saudi security agencies are now closely collaborating as investigations intensify. If confirmed, the arrests could signify a major turning point in dismantling the command and logistics network of the terror cells destabilizing northern Nigeria.

  • NAHCON airlifts 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in one week

    NAHCON airlifts 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in one week

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has transported 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj in one week.

    NAHCON disclosed this in a statement by its Principal Information Officer, Malam Shafil Mohammed, in Abuja on Friday.

    NAN reports that Vice-President Kashim Shettima had on May 9 declared the inaugural flight open in Owerri, Imo.

    Mohammed, while providing an update on the ongoing 2025 Hajj airlift operations, said that within six days, 50 flights have successfully conveyed 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    He said that the commission would regularly update the public on the  exercise progress.

    NAHCON is a government’s agency that regulates and coordinates Hajj and Umrah activities for Nigerian Muslims to ensure a smoother and more efficient pilgrimage experience.

    This includes licensing and supervising organisations involved in Hajj and Umrah operations, and coordinating with government authorities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

  • First batch of 560 Kwara intending pilgrims transported to Saudi Arabia

    First batch of 560 Kwara intending pilgrims transported to Saudi Arabia

    The first batch of 560 intending pilgrims from Kwara have been transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin.

    The pilgrims departed the airport onboard Max Airline aircraft at about 12:40pm. on Monday.

    The departure was witnessed by Kwara Amirul Hajj, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Yahaya, and the Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abdulkadir AbdulSalam and other government functionaries.

    Addressing Journalists shortly before the departure, Oba Yahaya urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and the country while in the Holy land.

    He expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise.

    “I thank Almighty Allah because everything went as planned. No hitch whatsoever,” he said.

    In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, AbdulSalam said the successful take-off of the inaugural flight was due to the extra efforts by the state government.

    He urged the pilgrims to obey the rules and regulations of Saudi authority and shun all forms of indiscipline throughout the Hajj exercise.

  • Just in: Saudi Arabia stops visa issuance to Nigeria, 13 other countries

    Just in: Saudi Arabia stops visa issuance to Nigeria, 13 other countries

    Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, and India, as part of preparations for the upcoming Hajj season have been suspended.

    Officials speaking to ARY News said, “The suspension of Umrah, business, and family visit visas is aimed at preventing unregistered individuals from attempting to perform the pilgrimage.”

    The move comes amid concerns over the rising number of pilgrims attempting to join Hajj without official permits. In recent years, many visitors have overstayed their visas, contributing to overcrowding and serious safety risks.

    Authorities also expressed concern over the misuse of business or family visit visas by individuals who enter the Kingdom and work illegally, a violation that “disrupts the labour market and breaches visa conditions.”

    The Saudi foreign ministry stated that the new measures were implemented “to streamline travel procedures and enhance safety during Hajj.

    It added, “Individuals found to be staying in the Kingdom illegally may face a five-year entry ban.”

    The countries affected by the ban are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.