Saudi Authorities Warn Hajj Pilgrims About Fraudulent Operators

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has cautioned the forthcoming Hajj pilgrims, advising them to remain wary against unauthorized Hajj operators and fraudulent websites. The ministry emphasized upon the utmost importance of utilizing officially approved channels for arranging pilgrimage plans as well as the significance of safeguarding pilgrim rights and ensuring a genuine opportunity to perform Hajj.

In a recent update shared on their official platform account, the ministry highlighted its authorized platforms, including the official website and the “Nusk” app designed for domestic pilgrims, as the primary avenues for arranging Hajj. Furthermore, the “Nusk-Hajj” platform accommodates pilgrims from Europe, the Americas, Australia, and select Asian and African countries, in addition to official Hajj missions and accredited companies.

This cautionary recommendation comes in as the ministry’s recent announcement delineating specific health requirements for this year’s Hajj pilgrims. According to the Ministry’s directives, all pilgrims within the Kingdom must have specific vaccinations recorded in the “Sehaty” application, including one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, one dose of the influenza vaccine for 2024, and one dose of the meningitis vaccine administered within the last five years.

The Ministry said that it has identified advertisements from companies and campaigns, along with fake accounts on social networks, declaring to organize Haj at attractive prices, urging caution in dealing with such campaigns and companies.

“For more information and to learn about accredited companies, you can contact the unified call center within the kingdom in 1966 and from outside the kingdom at +966920002814,” the statement added.

For international pilgrims, the ministry decrees the Neisseria meningitis vaccine, with administration occurring no less than 10 days and no more than five years before arriving in Saudi Arabia. It is imperative that the pilgrim’s home country health authorities confirm the vaccination timing, detailing the vaccine type and date on the vaccination certificate. Additionally, all pilgrims are required to receive at least one dose of either the bivalent oral polio vaccine or inactivated polio vaccine.

With the onset of the Hajj season arrive the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah remains unwavering in its commitment to warranting the safety and well-being of all pilgrims, urging adherence to official guidelines and protocols to enable a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.