Due to their lack of NUSUK identity cards, seven Nigerian pilgrims participating in this year’s holy pilgrimage in Makkah have been detained by the Saudi Arabian government.

Regarding the Nusuk ID cards, also known as the hajj pass, it was reported that seven Nigerian pilgrims from two states were detained in front of their lodgings on June 5 and 6.

Without a valid Hajj permission, you risk being fined SR10,000, imprisoned for six months, deported, and banned from Saudi Arabia for ten years if you harbour or assist someone who does not have one.

The identities of the detained pilgrims have not yet been released, and it is unknown if they have been granted access thanks to the involvement of Nigeria’s Hajj Commission.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, or NAHCON, responded to the event by reiterating its request that people gather and utilise the cards for their Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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The commission said in a circular sent to all state pilgrims welfare boards, agencies, and commissions along with authorised Hajj tour operators that on June 5 and 6, seven Nigerian pilgrims from two states were detained in front of their hotels due to their Nusuk ID cards.

In a circular signed by its Makkah Coordinator, Dr. Aliyu Tanko, on behalf of the chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, NAHCON cautioned that this action is likely to intensify as the month of Dhul Hijjah approaches.

The commission stated that “all pilgrims must collect their cards on arrival in Makkah from the Mutawwif officials” and asked the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operator businesses to increase awareness among its pilgrims on the requirement of having a Nusuk ID card.

“It is imperative to carry these cards at all times, as they are the recognised means of identifying pilgrims and also having access to key areas during Hajj,” the statement continued, after obtaining the Nusuk cards.

The commission recommended that pilgrims who own smartphones download the Nusuk app from the Playstore or iTunes stores. They can then use their passport and visa details to activate and access digital versions of their Nusuk cards.

“Not having Hajj permits, harbouring or aiding those without it attracts SR10,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, deportation and banning from Saudi Arabia for 10 years,” NAHCON warned of the penalties.

The commission declared, “We implore all SMPWBs and tour operators to make sure that their pilgrims strictly follow these guidelines to avoid any inconvenience or disruption in their spiritual journey.”

A few days prior, NAHCON issued a warning to pilgrims, asking them to make sure they use their NUSUK cards (identity and access cards) in order to prevent being detained by the Saudi Police.

The call was issued by Jalal Arabi, the organization’s chairman, in a statement by Hajia Fatima Sanda-Usara, the assistant director of public affairs.

According to him, the commission wants to address recent reports of pilgrims being detained or barred from entering Makkah’s Masjidul Haram because they did not have their NUSUK ID cards.

The significance of the card was emphasised by NAHCON in several meetings with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Hajj Tour Operators in Nigeria prior to the start of pilgrimage transportation.

“During the Hajj exercise, the card is an essential document needed for the masha’er’s identity and access.

“In this regard, a fatwa has been issued by Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body mandating that every pilgrim obtain a Hajj permit for everyone’s safety.”