Numerous prospective pilgrims could find themselves unable to embark on the sacred journey of Umrah during the 2024 Ramadan season, as Saudi Arabia grapples with a halt in visa issuances.
This decision has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the plans of thousands of devout Muslims from Nigeria, whose aspirations to undertake Umrah during the holy month are now in jeopardy.
Reports from Daily Trust highlight the growing apprehension and unrest among intending pilgrims, especially as the days of Ramadan dwindle.
The suspension of Umrah visa issuance has not only stirred anxiety but also raised concerns about the financial implications for Hajj and Umrah operators, who face potential losses from pre-booked accommodations in Makkah and Madinah.
The disruption is already palpable, with numerous flights scheduled for Umrah pilgrims experiencing cancellations or delays.
In one instance, a flight departing from Kano failed to take off as planned, leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded due to visa unavailability.
Ramadan typically heralds a surge in Umrah pilgrimages from Nigeria and across the globe, as Muslims endeavour to observe the last ten days of fasting in the revered precincts of Saudi Arabia.
However, this year’s fervent preparations have been overshadowed by the Saudi authorities’ decision not to grant visas to prospective pilgrims, triggering widespread dismay and frustration.
In Kano, a significant number of intending pilgrims are currently caught in limbo, awaiting the elusive entry visas necessary for their pilgrimage.
Travel agents attribute the predicament to a recent visa policy revision introduced by Saudi authorities, which imposes a three-month validity period and a two-week duration of stay for Umrah visas.
Haruna Ismail, the Kano Zonal Chairman of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), elucidated that the extended validity period has led to misconceptions among pilgrims, some of whom delayed their entry until Ramadan.
Consequently, the backlog of visa applications has been exacerbated, causing logistical challenges for travel agents and prospective pilgrims alike.
Abdulaziz Sabitu Mohammed, AHUON’s Vice Chairman, echoed these concerns, revealing that over 7,000 pilgrims have obtained visas but are yet to commence their journey.
The stringent visa conditions have disrupted the traditional influx of pilgrims during Ramadan, with only a fraction of the usual number securing visas this year.
Amidst the mounting frustration, some intending pilgrims have resorted to desperate measures, offering exorbitant sums to expedite the visa acquisition process.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah attributed the visa suspension to overcrowding concerns, emphasizing the need to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience for all.
However, the abrupt halt in visa issuance has left many stakeholders in a state of uncertainty, with NAHCON spokesperson Hajia Fatima Sanda Usara declining to comment on the unfolding situation.
