The Saudi Arabian government has closed the e-portal for the 2025 Hajj visa in Nigeria, leaving a total of 2,717 intending pilgrims missing the opportunity to embark on the spiritual journey.
The affected Nigerians had completed arrangements with various private tour operators and were hopeful of a possible reopening of the portal, even with the intervention of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
NAHCON, however, disclosed that despite concerted efforts to get the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to consider reopening the visa portal, the expectation was dashed.
A statement by Fatima Sanda Usara,Assistant Director, Information and Publication, NAHCON, consoled those affected by the visa closure to have faith, knowing that Hajj is an answer to Allah’s call.
The Commission also advised that all intending pilgrims should always plan ahead for their Hajj, ahead of deadlines, to avoid disappointments, citing late application and payment as major predicaments.
“It would be recalled that to rescue Nigerian intending pilgrims from missing the Hajj, NAHCON had to intervene in February by securing Masha’ir slots for its Hajj coordinators under the public and private sector.
“From the beginning of Hajj registration to date, NAHCON facilitated the extension of deadlines four times; beginning with Hajj fare remittance to visa issuance.
“Yet, despite several warnings signaling the end of visa issuance by April 19, 2025, with its attendant consequences, some intending pilgrims came late with their Hajj payments.
“Out of consideration, following numerous requests for the Commission to continue accepting Hajj fares, NAHCON formally requested an extension of visa processing, which was graciously approved. However, further access to visa issuance was blocked since May 19, 2025.
“The one-month extension from April 19 had provided much-needed relief for some State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards that were still accepting late payments, as well as Tour Operators who were still finalizing travel and accommodation plans for their clients.
“Hence, the visa suspension affected 2,717 late registration pilgrims from both sides. By the time of visa blockage, 13,217 visas were granted to Tour Operator Companies out of 14,158 registered pilgrims, indicating strong participation from the private Hajj sector,” Usara noted.
