Saudi Arabia Arrests Citizen and Resident in Mecca Over Fake Hajj Campaigns Online

Saudi authorities have arrested a Saudi national and a foreign resident in Mecca for promoting fraudulent Hajj campaigns that falsely promised accommodation and transportation within the holy sites, Mecca Police reported on Monday.

Authorities Warn Against Unauthorized Hajj Offers

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has consistently warned pilgrims not to fall victim to unauthorized Hajj promotions. It reiterated that performing Hajj requires an official visa issued by Saudi authorities, either through licensed Hajj missions or via the official Nusuk Hajj platform.

Exploiting Pilgrims' Spiritual Aspirations

The suspects reportedly used social media to advertise misleading offers for low-cost Hajj packages, housing, and transport services, in direct violation of Saudi regulations. The Ministry noted that such scams pose serious risks to pilgrims’ safety and overall experience.

Saudi Arabia’s Digital Response: The Nusuk Platform

As part of its digital transformation initiative and fraud prevention efforts, Saudi Arabia has launched Nusuk, a unified online portal managed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. It offers verified Hajj packages to pilgrims from over 50 countries without official Hajj missions.