The chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board has issued a warning to those attempting to perform the Hajj using tourist visas rather than the required Hajj visa. The chairman cautioned that the Saudi Arabian authorities will be taking strict actions to ensure that culprits are prosecuted, including possible jail time, deportation, and even a ban from entering Saudi Arabia for years. The Chairman urged those who have paid for fake agents that can only get them tourist visas to beware, stating that they must obtain the correct visa before embarking on the Hajj.
Chairman Abdallah Banda advised that some people, both knowingly and unknowingly, attempt to perform the Hajj with a tourist visa. He warned that culprits could end up facing severe consequences, and advised Ghanaian pilgrims to obtain the right visa in order to avoid any inconvenience or embarrassment. Chairman Abdallah Banda further stated that there are some people with tourist visas, who have not paid the Hajj Board or its accredited agents, but will try to use their facilities as if they are part of the group. The Chairman advised such individuals to desist from this and warned them of the strict measures that will be applied by the Saudi authorities.
In preparation for this year’s Hajj, Chairman Abdallah Banda revealed that the first group of Ghanaian pilgrims will depart on Friday, June 9. He also stated that the airlifting of pilgrims from the northern sector of the country will continue until June 16 when the airlifting of pilgrims from the Southern sector begins. A total of 6,000 Ghanaian pilgrims are expected to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 Hajj, marking the first time Saudi authorities will be allowing a full-capacity Hajj since the outbreak of the Covid-19 global pandemic in 2019.
Those planning to make their Hajj this year are advised to obtain the correct visa in order to avoid running afoul of the Saudi authorities. The warning issued by the Ghana Hajj Board Chairman is intended to protect pilgrims from scam artists seeking to defraud them, and ensure the safety of all those making the journey. It is important for Ghanaian pilgrims to take this warning seriously and ensure they have the correct documentation before embarking on their journey.
