Jonathan Nwokpor
The Saudi Arabian government has detained seven Nigerian pilgrims participating in this year’s holy pilgrimage in Makkah for not having NUSUK identity cards.
According to reports, on June 5 and 6, seven Nigerian pilgrims from two states were detained in front of their hotels for possessing Nusuk ID cards, also referred to as hajj permits.
In Saudi Arabia, failure to get a Hajj permit and the harbouring or assistance of anyone without one carries a penalty of SR10,000, six months in jail, deportation, and a ten-year ban from Saudi Arabia.
The identities of the detained pilgrims remained undisclosed, and it remained unclear whether any retrievals had been made possible by Nigeria’s Hajj Commission.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, or NAHCON, responded to the event by reiterating its request that people gather and utilise the cards for their Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The commission said in a circular sent to all state pilgrims welfare boards, agencies, and commissions along with authorised Hajj tour operators that on June 5 and 6, seven Nigerian pilgrims from two states were detained in front of their hotels due to their Nusuk ID cards.
In a circular signed by its Makkah Coordinator, Dr Aliyu Tanko, on behalf of the chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, NAHCON cautioned that this action will likely intensify as the month of Dhul Hijjah approaches.
The commission asked all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and all travel agency businesses to raise pilgrims’ knowledge of the need for Nusuk ID cards, stating that “all pilgrims must collect their cards on arrival in Makkah from the Mutawwif officials.”
It added that after possessing the Nusuk cards, “it is imperative to carry these cards at all times, as they are the recognized means of identifying pilgrims and also having access to key areas during Hajj.”
“Pilgrims with smartphones can download the Nusuk app from Playstore or iTunes stores, use their passport and visa numbers to activate and access digital copies of their Nusuk cards,” the commission advised.
On the penalties, NAHCON warned that “not having Hajj permits, habouring or aiding those without it attracts SR10,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, deportation and banning from Saudi Arabia for 10 years.”
“We urge all SMPWB’s and tour operators to ensure that their pilgrims adhere strictly to these guidelines to avoid any inconvenience or disruption in their spiritual journey,” the commission stated.
A few days prior, NAHCON issued a warning to pilgrims, asking them to use their NUSUK cards (identity and access cards) to prevent being detained by the Saudi Police.
The call was issued by Jalal Arabi, the organization’s chairman, in a statement by Hajia Fatima Sanda-Usara, the assistant director of public affairs.
He said: “The commission wishes to address the recent concerns and complaints regarding pilgrims being arrested or prevented from accessing the Masjidul Haram in Makkah for not being in possession of their NUSUK ID cards.
“NAHCON had at different fora with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Hajj Tour Operators in Nigeria before the commencement of transportation of pilgrims stressed the importance of the card.
“The card is a crucial document required for identification and access to the masha’er during the hajj exercise.
“The highest religious body of Saudi Arabia has issued a fatwa in this regard making it mandatory for every pilgrim to obtain a Hajj permit for the wellbeing of all.”
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