0 Comments
The Sierra Leone Presidential Hajj Taskforce has issued a firm warning to all intending pilgrims against the use of unauthorized or unofficial visas for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
In a statement released on Monday, the Taskforce cautioned Sierra Leoneans planning to perform Hajj this year not to travel using visas issued for Umrah, tourism, business, or other non-Hajj purposes, as this contravenes both Saudi Arabian regulations and Islamic teachings.
The warning follows a notification from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, mandating that all foreign nationals currently in the Kingdom on non-Hajj visas must leave the holy city of Makkah before 1st Dhul-Qadah 1446 (29 April 2025). Only those in possession of an official Hajj visa will be permitted to remain and participate in the pilgrimage.
Quoting the Holy Qur’an, the Taskforce emphasized the spiritual and legal sanctity of Hajj: “Hajj shall be observed in specified months. Whosoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct and argument throughout Hajj pilgrimage” (Qur’an 2:197). “Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority” (Qur’an 4:59).
The Saudi authorities have reiterated that only pilgrims applying through official Hajj Affairs offices or the approved Nusuk platform will be granted valid Hajj visas. These processes ensure that pilgrims comply with international travel standards and the regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Government of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of President Dr. (Rtd) Brig. Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has made provisions for all Sierra Leoneans, both at home and abroad, to fulfill their Hajj obligations through the Presidential Hajj Taskforce.
The Taskforce confirmed it is working in close collaboration with Sierra Leonean and Saudi authorities to ensure a streamlined visa process and compliance with all legal and religious requirements.
It further warned that pilgrims caught using unauthorized visas risk serious consequences, including deportation, imprisonment, fines, travel bans, and legal action against facilitators of such illegal travel.
The Taskforce concluded by affirming its commitment to ensuring that law-abiding pilgrims who follow the proper registration procedures will be supported to perform their religious duties safely, legally, and with dignity during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
For more details, click the button below to download the Public Notice issued on 28th April 2025.
In a statement released on Monday, the Taskforce cautioned Sierra Leoneans planning to perform Hajj this year not to travel using visas issued for Umrah, tourism, business, or other non-Hajj purposes, as this contravenes both Saudi Arabian regulations and Islamic teachings.
The warning follows a notification from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, mandating that all foreign nationals currently in the Kingdom on non-Hajj visas must leave the holy city of Makkah before 1st Dhul-Qadah 1446 (29 April 2025). Only those in possession of an official Hajj visa will be permitted to remain and participate in the pilgrimage.
Quoting the Holy Qur’an, the Taskforce emphasized the spiritual and legal sanctity of Hajj: “Hajj shall be observed in specified months. Whosoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct and argument throughout Hajj pilgrimage” (Qur’an 2:197). “Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority” (Qur’an 4:59).
The Saudi authorities have reiterated that only pilgrims applying through official Hajj Affairs offices or the approved Nusuk platform will be granted valid Hajj visas. These processes ensure that pilgrims comply with international travel standards and the regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Government of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of President Dr. (Rtd) Brig. Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has made provisions for all Sierra Leoneans, both at home and abroad, to fulfill their Hajj obligations through the Presidential Hajj Taskforce.
The Taskforce confirmed it is working in close collaboration with Sierra Leonean and Saudi authorities to ensure a streamlined visa process and compliance with all legal and religious requirements.
It further warned that pilgrims caught using unauthorized visas risk serious consequences, including deportation, imprisonment, fines, travel bans, and legal action against facilitators of such illegal travel.
The Taskforce concluded by affirming its commitment to ensuring that law-abiding pilgrims who follow the proper registration procedures will be supported to perform their religious duties safely, legally, and with dignity during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
For more details, click the button below to download the Public Notice issued on 28th April 2025.
