Saudi Arabian authorities have arrested seven Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah for not possessing NUSUK identity cards during this year’s holy pilgrimage.
The pilgrims, from two Nigerian states, were detained on June 5 and 6 outside their hotels due to the absence of the NUSUK ID cards, also known as hajj permits.
In Saudi Arabia, lacking Hajj permits, or aiding those without them, incurs penalties including a SR10,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, deportation, and a 10-year ban from the country.
The names of the arrested pilgrims have not been disclosed, and it is unclear if Nigeria’s hajj commission has intervened.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) reiterated its appeal for pilgrims to collect and use their NUSUK ID cards during Hajj. In a circular to state pilgrims welfare boards, agencies, commissions, and licensed Hajj tour operators, NAHCON confirmed the arrest of the seven pilgrims and warned that enforcement would intensify with the approaching month of Dhul Hijjah.
NAHCON instructed all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operator companies to increase awareness among pilgrims about the mandatory NUSUK ID cards. It emphasized the necessity for pilgrims to collect their cards from Mutawwif officials upon arrival in Makkah and to carry them at all times for identification and access during Hajj.
The commission advised pilgrims with smartphones to download the Nusuk app to access digital copies of their ID cards using their passport and visa numbers.
NAHCON also reminded that penalties for not having Hajj permits include a SR10,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, deportation, and a 10-year ban from Saudi Arabia. It urged all SMPWB’s and tour operators to ensure strict adherence to these guidelines to avoid inconvenience or disruption in the pilgrims’ spiritual journey.
A few days prior, NAHCON had advised pilgrims to use NUSUK cards to avoid arrest by Saudi authorities. Chairman Jalal Arabi, through a statement by Assistant Director of Public Affairs Hajia Fatima Sanda-Usara, addressed concerns about pilgrims being arrested or denied access to Masjidul Haram for not having their NUSUK ID cards.
NAHCON had previously emphasized the importance of the NUSUK card in meetings with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Hajj Tour Operators. The card is essential for identification and access during the hajj exercise, supported by a fatwa from Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body making it mandatory for every pilgrim.
