Over 2,700 Nigerian pilgrims will unfortunately miss Hajj 2025** due to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah closing its visa portal. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) tried to get the portal reopened, but their efforts were unsuccessful. This affects intending pilgrims from both state welfare boards and private tour operators.

NAHCON has offered its condolences to those impacted by the visa closure, reminding them that Hajj is a divine calling. Saudi Arabia shut down its visa portal on May 19th, after over 1 million pilgrims had already entered the Kingdom from various countries.

The Commission urged all prospective pilgrims to **plan their Hajj journeys well in advance** to avoid such disappointments. NAHCON highlighted that they had already secured four deadline extensions for Hajj fare payments and visa issuance. Despite numerous warnings that visa processing would end by April 19, 2025, some pilgrims still made late payments. Although NAHCON successfully requested a grace period, allowing a one-month extension until May 19th, further access to visa issuance was then blocked. This extension had provided much-needed relief for some state boards and tour operators still finalizing arrangements.

Ultimately, 2,717 intending pilgrims were affected by this visa suspension due to their late registrations. However, it's worth noting that out of 14,158 registered pilgrims with tour operators, 13,217 visas were successfully granted, indicating strong participation from the private sector.

In a separate but related development, NAHCON also cautioned private tour operators against dealing with unauthorized third parties for premium Tent A+ services in Mina. They stated that only the Rawaf Mina Company is recognized for these services and that NAHCON will not be responsible for issues arising from arrangements made outside official channels. Tour operators are strongly advised to adhere to official guidelines to ensure pilgrim welfare and comply with Saudi regulations.

As over 1 million Muslims worldwide gather in Mina today, June 4th, 2025, to begin their Hajj rituals, NAHCON continues to engage with Saudi authorities to protect Nigerian pilgrims' interests and ensure high service standards for both public and private operators.

Source: https://muslimnews.com.ng/2025/06/03/nahcon-urges-calm-as-2000-nigerians-miss-2025-hajj-over-visa-issues/