The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) finally begins the processing of travel Visas for Nigeria intending pilgrims registered for this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
It was gathered that NAHCON and the States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Agencies started processing the visas on Friday after the commission held a virtual meeting with officials from the states and resolved payment of transfer to Saudi account.
The meeting, according to a source, discussed the modalities as well as the new system introduced by Saudi Ministry of Hajj in processing visas and the need for states to “carefully and cautiously implement those procedures when applying for Visa”.
The commencement of the issuance of visa signals the beginning of an important hajj operation component as no intending pilgrim can enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without visa.
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officially opened the visa portal for Hajj participating countries on March 1, 2024.
The visa portal is scheduled to be closed on the 29th of April unless the Kingdom decides to extend the initial deadline which is set at 50 days to the Day of Arafat.
NAHCON has confirmed about 51, 000 intending pilgrims so far completed payment and capture among government quota.
(HAJJ REPORTERS)