NUSUK Card: Saudi Authorities Arrest 7 Nigerian Pilgrims

Saudi Arabian authorities have detained seven Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah for not possessing NUSUK identity cards, also known as Hajj permits. The arrests occurred on June 5 and 6, in front of the pilgrims’ hotels.

In Saudi Arabia, lacking a Hajj permit can result in severe penalties, including a SR10,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, deportation, and a 10-year ban from the country.

The identities of the detained pilgrims have not been disclosed, and it remains uncertain whether the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has been able to secure their release.

Reacting to the arrests, NAHCON emphasized the critical importance of obtaining and using NUSUK ID cards during Hajj. A circular issued to all state pilgrims welfare boards, agencies, and licensed Hajj tour operators, signed by NAHCON’s Makkah Coordinator Dr. Aliyu Tanko, reiterated this message.

NAHCON warned that enforcement efforts would intensify as the month of Dhul Hijjah approaches, urging all relevant bodies to enhance awareness among pilgrims about the necessity of carrying their NUSUK ID cards at all times. These cards are essential for identification and access to key areas during the Hajj.

The commission advised pilgrims with smartphones to download the NUSUK app, enabling them to access digital copies of their ID cards using their passport and visa numbers.

In its statement, NAHCON highlighted the severe penalties for not having a Hajj permit or aiding those without one, and urged strict compliance to avoid disruptions to the pilgrims’ spiritual journey.

NAHCON Chairman Malam Jalal Arabi, through Assistant Director of Public Affairs Hajia Fatima Sanda-Usara, reiterated the importance of NUSUK cards for identification and access to religious sites. He noted that the highest religious authority in Saudi Arabia has issued a fatwa mandating every pilgrim to obtain a Hajj permit for the collective wellbeing of all participants.

The commission had previously urged Nigerian pilgrims to ensure they have their NUSUK cards to avoid arrest by Saudi authorities.