The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed a shortage of Umrah visas, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. In an official statement, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, expressed the commission’s determination to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in order to find a satisfactory resolution to the visa accessibility issue.

The statement highlighted the increased demand for Umrah visas during Ramadan as a primary factor contributing to the shortage. It also revealed that NAHCON has formally communicated its concerns to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through a written letter, emphasizing the implications of visa unavailability for Nigerian tour operators.

Furthermore, the statement mentioned that NAHCON’s chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, personally visited the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria to explore potential solutions to the visa shortage.

The current challenges faced by Nigerian Muslims in obtaining Umrah visas for travel to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan are deeply regrettable and primarily stem from the misuse of privileges granted in the visa issuance process. Umrah visas are allocated to countries based on quotas, with Ramadan Umrah visas typically being more expensive. The recent extension of visa validity to 90 days by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allowed some individuals to secure visas at lower costs outside of Ramadan, intending to perform Umrah during the holy month.

However, these individuals took advantage of the extended visa validity by either prolonging their stays in the kingdom or holding onto visas without utilising them until Ramadan. This resulted in a shortage of available visa slots for other Nigerians seeking to perform Umrah during Ramadan.

While a small number of visas may occasionally become available as Nigerians depart from Saudi Arabia, obtaining these slots is uncertain and considered a gamble. As a result, pilgrims planning to embark on the Lesser Hajj are advised to make wiser decisions regarding visa acquisition.