Saudi authorities warn against online scams and stress the importance of obtaining official Hajj permits
Makkah, Saudi Arabia – April 19, 2025: Saudi authorities have arrested four individuals, including a Yemeni resident and three violators of border security regulations, for promoting fraudulent Hajj campaigns on social media, the General Directorate of Public Security announced late Friday.
Security patrols in the holy city of Makkah apprehended the accused after discovering their involvement in advertising misleading Hajj services online. The campaigns falsely offered housing and transportation arrangements for pilgrims intending to perform Hajj within the sacred sites.
Authorities have taken legal action against the suspects, who have been referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation and judicial proceedings.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims during the Hajj season, warning that any attempt to exploit the sacred pilgrimage for financial gain or to mislead the public will be met with strict legal consequences.
In a statement, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that all individuals wishing to perform Hajj in 2025 must obtain an official permit through the Nusuk platform. The platform is integrated with the Tasreeh unified digital system for issuing Hajj permits and is the only authorized channel for such documentation.
The ministry clarified that none of the general visa categories — including tourist, business, or personal visit visas — allow their holders to participate in Hajj.
Only those with a specifically issued Hajj visa are permitted to take part in the pilgrimage. Attempting to perform Hajj without a valid permit is a clear violation of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj regulations and will lead to penalties, including fines, deportation, and possible bans from future entry.
In light of the arrests, Saudi authorities have issued a strong warning to the public against falling victim to fraudulent Hajj and Umrah schemes, particularly those promoted through unofficial channels and social media platforms.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah urged residents and citizens to verify all information and services through approved government platforms and to report any suspected scams.
Citizens and residents are encouraged to report violations by calling emergency numbers — 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the kingdom.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia had already taken additional steps to tighten control over Hajj-related activities. Measures include a ban on non-Hajj visitors in Makkah hotels during the pilgrimage season and restricted access to the holy city for unauthorized individuals.
Meanwhile, in a similar incident, Dubai Police recently arrested a gang accused of promoting fake Hajj and Umrah visas online, further highlighting the regional scope of such fraudulent activities and the growing efforts by Gulf authorities to crack down on religious travel scams.
As the 2025 Hajj season approaches, officials urge all aspiring pilgrims to remain vigilant, rely only on government-approved services, and comply strictly with the kingdom’s pilgrimage regulations.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members