NAHCON reads riot act to tour operators, states pilgrim’s boards

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned Licensed Tour Operators and State Pilgrims Welfare Boards against breach of Saudi immigration laws before, during and after hajj operation.

The commission stated this in a statement by Mrs Fatima Usara, Head, Public Affairs Division of NAHCON on Thursday, in Abuja.

It said Malam Abdullahi Muhammad, Executive Chairman of the Commission stated this at a meeting with members of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) and some Executives Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards.

It said the meeting was geared towards addressing issues relating to breach of Saudi immigration laws by some tour operators and state pilgrims welfare boards.

It said that report at the commission indicated that some states and licensed tour operators had pilgrims that overstayed their visas in the Kingdom, thereby infringing on the Saudi Arabian laws.

The commission drew the attention of participants to the security risk as well as the bad image the embarrassing situation brings upon the country.

It said NAHCON urged all stakeholders present at the meeting to educate their pilgrims on the proper mode of applying for extension of stay visa in Saudi Arabia if needs be.

The commission also warned that any state under which this contravention persists risks having its licensed downgraded or withdrawal of a tour operator’s licence.

“This is in addition to possible prosecution of defaulters in accordance with the laws of the land.

“To tackle this menace, tour operators and states are directed to intensify enlightenment of pilgrims on consequences of overstaying in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Also, “Revoking of tour operator’s licence if found negligent and introduction of guarantor forms for pilgrims under tour operators in 2019 Hajj registration.“

It said the commission would not tolerate violation of Saudi regulations adding that it had a responsibility to safeguard terms and conditions of engagement as stated in the Memorandum of Understanding.