2,700 Nigerian pilgrims miss Hajj over visa portal shutdown
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disclosed that 2,717 Nigerian pilgrims were unable to secure visas for the 2025 Hajj after the Saudi government closed the visa portal on May 19, 2025.
Despite NAHCON’s multiple efforts, including four deadline extensions and appeals to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reopen the portal, the request was denied.
NAHCON attributed the visa denial mainly to late registration and payment by some pilgrims, despite repeated warnings and deadline extensions. At the time of the portal closure, 13,217 visas had been issued out of 14,158 registered pilgrims, showing strong private sector involvement.
The commission consoled affected pilgrims, urging them to have faith and advised all intending pilgrims to plan ahead to avoid future disappointments.
NAHCON also warned against unauthorized third-party arrangements for premium services, affirming Rawaf Mina Company as the sole authorized provider for Tent A+ services during the Hajj.
The visa closure and late registrations led to over 2,700 Nigerians missing the 2025 Hajj, despite NAHCON’s extensive interventions and appeals to Saudi authorities.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has disclosed that 2,717 intending pilgrims from Nigeria were unable to secure visas for the 2025 Hajj, following the closure of the Saudi visa portal.
In a statement signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, on Monday, the commission expressed regret over the situation.
He said its efforts to get the Saudi authorities to consider re-opening the visa portal failed.
“Despite concerted efforts to get the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to consider re-opening of visa portal, even for an hour, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is saddened that this was not achieved.
“Hence the visa suspension affected 2,717 late registration pilgrims from both sides,” the statement said.
He advised intending pilgrims to always plan ahead and consoled those affected.
“In light of the above, NAHCON wishes to console those affected by the visa closure to have faith, knowing that Hajj is an answer to Allah’s call.
“However, it is also advised that all intending pilgrims should always plan for their Hajj ahead of deadlines to avoid disappointments,” the statement read.
NAHCON stated that it had facilitated the extension of visa issuance deadlines four times, adding that the commission had also intervened by securing Masha’ir slots for its Hajj coordinators under both public and private sectors in February.
“From the beginning of Hajj registration to date, NAHCON facilitated extension of deadlines four times; beginning with Hajj fare remittance to visa issuance.
“Yet, despite several warnings signalling 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 commission said.
According to the statement, the one-month extension from April 19 provided relief for state pilgrims’ welfare boards and tour operators still concluding arrangements for their clients.
NAHCON also revealed that at 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.
“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.
“Notwithstanding, NAHCON went further within its legal means to accommodate more pilgrims from licensed operators, further boosting the capacity of the operators,” it stated.
The commission raised concerns over reports that some operators were engaging third parties for premium Tent A+ services outside of its sanctioned arrangements.
“NAHCON emphasises that it recognises only Rawaf Mina Company as the sole authorised provider for Tent A+ services during the 2025 Hajj.
“Therefore, NAHCON will not be held responsible for the consequences of any arrangements made outside of this recognised channel,” the statement warned
