The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has expressed concern over the submission of unverified information by some Nigerian Umrah operators during visa applications, warning that the country’s rating in the Nusuk evaluation system will continue to decline unless the quality of pilgrims’ data improves.
The ministry raised the concern during a virtual engagement with leading Nigerian Hajj and Umrah operators, including Chairman of Raudah Travels and Tours, Alhaji Umar Abdulhadi.
According to the ministry, accurate pilgrims’ biodata and service information are critical to planning and managing Umrah operations, as well as providing assistance in the event of emergencies.
Officials lamented that some operators submit identical email and residential addresses for dozens of pilgrims, while others declare luxury hotels such as Hilton as accommodation during visa applications only for the pilgrims to be lodged elsewhere.
The ministry said such discrepancies undermine effective service delivery and are among the reasons restrictions on the maximum number of Nigerian Umrah pilgrims allowed into Saudi Arabia have not been relaxed.
Speaking with Hajj Reporters after the meeting, Abdulhadi called on Nigerian operators to provide accurate and verifiable information during visa applications, noting that the data could prove vital in reaching pilgrims during health emergencies or other unforeseen situations while in Saudi Arabia.
