The management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Saturday told Nigerian pilgrims to this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that possession of Nusuk identification cards is mandatory for all pilgrims and as such each pilgrim must always carry their cards throughout the period of the holy pilgrimage.
This comes on the heels of recent concerns and complaints regarding arrests of pilgrims and their prevention from accessing the Masjidul Haram (Grand Mosque) in Makkah for not having their Nusuk ID cards.
The Hajj body informed that Saudi Arabian highest religious body issued a fatwa making it mandatory for every pilgrim to obtain a Hajj permit for the wellbeing of all, saying it (NAHCON) had stressed the importance of the Nusuk ID cards to state Muslim pilgrim’s welfare boards and tour operators even before the commencement of airlift operation.
“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) 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.
“The Commission had at different fora with state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards and Hajj tour operators in Nigeria before the commencement of Hajj airlift, stressed the importance of the NUSUK ID card as 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 well-being of all,” NAHCON stated in a statement made available by its Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara.
The commission, therefore, reminded the Nigerian pilgrims that the card is not only mandatory but also must always be carried along as it is the means of identifying pilgrims and having access to key areas during Hajj.
According to the commission, “All pilgrims must collect their NUSUK ID cards on arrival in Makkah from the Mutawwif officials (if they have not already done so) at designated distribution points.
“Pilgrims can inquire about collection procedures from the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards or Tour Operators they registered with.
“It is imperative to always carry these cards, as they are the recognised means of identifying pilgrims and for having access to key areas during Hajj.
“Pilgrims with smartphones can download the Nusuk app from the PlayStore or iTunes Stores. They can use their passport and visa numbers to activate and access digital copies of their NUSUK cards.”
It, however, urged Nigerian pilgrims to be vigilant and aware of the presence of illegal pilgrims attempting to steal and use Nusuk ID cards to gain access to the Masha’er.
“Guard your cards carefully and report any suspicious activity to the nearest authorities,” the commission warned the pilgrims.
In another development, NAHCON urges all state Muslim pilgrim’s welfare boards and tour operators to emphasise the importance of Nusuk ID cards to registered pilgrims during their pre-departure briefings and periodic engagements with pilgrims.
It added that the boards should assist pilgrims in collecting their Nusuk cards if needed and liaise with their respective field offices for this purpose.
NAHCON warned that there are severe penalties for anyone caught performing or aiding others to perform Hajj illegally, revealing that such include a fine of SR10,000; six months imprisonment; immediate deportation and banning from Saudi Arabia for 10 years.
In cases where pilgrims misplaced their Nusuk cards, the commission advised them to contact their respective state pilgrims’ officials or NAHCON’s operational office in Makkah for assistance.
“We urge all pilgrims to adhere strictly to these guidelines to avoid any inconvenience or disruption in their spiritual journey.
“We similarly warn against harbouring or aiding any illegal pilgrim,” the body admonished the pilgrims.
It then assured of its commitment to ensuring a smooth and safe Hajj experience for all Nigerian pilgrims.
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