2018 Hajj: NAHCON sensitises Islamic scholars on new Saudi policy

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) held a sensitization meeting with Islamic scholars from Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and the Federal capital territory on the new Saudi policy for intending pilgrims.

Chairman of the commission, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar explained that the Saudi authority has made it mandatory for visa applicants to record their biometrics before traveling to the Kingdom for hajj exercise.

He said the payment of VAT which came into effect on the January 1, 2018 affects the prices of goods and services in the kingdom.

He therefore urged intending pilgrims enlightened accordingly curtail spending spree.

The chairman also cautioned the religious leaders to be wary of serving as guarantors to pilgrims who have the intention of absconding in the holy land.

Also speaking, the Commissioner, Policy, Personnel Management and Finance of NAHCON, Yusuf Adebayo also that are to stressed the need for timely payment of hajj fare to ensure a smooth hajj exercise.

He said the Saudi government had emphasized that all countries must complete hajj preparations by the end of May.

He explained that in the past, pilgrims are used to paying their fair after Ramadan. “Such cannot be the case this year due to changes in the calendar and also the fact that Saudi government emphasizes that all countries must complete their hajj preparations by the end of May.”