Hajj Commission gives states ultimatum on pilgrims groupings

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has ordered the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Commissions and Agencies to conclude the grouping of pilgrims into groups of 45 and conclude data upload to the e-track portal latest by Friday, April 26 for the purpose of this year’s Hajj.

The groupings, according to a statement signed by NAHCON’s Deputy Director, Information & Publications Division, Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki, “are intended for ease of visa issuance on the Saudi visa e-track platform”.

The Commission added that “it is also in conformity with the mandatory Saudi policy on Tafweej grouping for 2024 Hajj movement”.

While recalling that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had introduced new measures for this year’s Hajj operations, one of which is the mandatory grouping of pilgrims into groups of 45, it insisted that the pilgrim’s visas would be issued only when they complete a group of 45.

“Also, NAHCON is encouraging all pilgrims that wish to travel together in desired groups, to meet their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to be grouped together, as this is the only avenue to arrange to travel with those whom you wish.

“It should be noted that these groups of 45 will always conduct their Hajj activities together; from departure from Nigeria, accommodation and movement in both Makkah and Madinah, Masha’ir activities, and journey back to Nigeria,” the statement stressed.

The Commission reiterated that this is the last chance given by the Saudis to conclude all arrangements for group travel by intending pilgrims for 2024 Hajj operations.

It, however, warned that “after the expiration of this deadline, all pilgrims will remain confined with their selected group members whose visas will appear together”.