Saudi Hajj Ministry Targets Fraudulent Companies Globally

Undersecretary of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj Affairs Dr. Ayed Algwinm.
Undersecretary of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj Affairs Dr. Ayed Algwinm.
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Saudi Hajj Ministry Targets Fraudulent Companies Globally

Undersecretary of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj Affairs Dr. Ayed Algwinm.
Undersecretary of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj Affairs Dr. Ayed Algwinm.

Dr. Ayed Algwinm, Undersecretary of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for Hajj Affairs, described the fraud by fake Hajj companies as a “full-fledged crime” both at home and abroad.

He highlighted ongoing efforts with Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, and other countries to tackle these Hajj-related scams, noting that authorities have already shut down many of these fraudulent operations.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Algwinm detailed international efforts to track down fake companies, particularly in countries where these scams are common.

“We’ve been monitoring and taking action in these countries,” he said, noting that scammers know their victims can’t perform Hajj due to strict security measures in place in the Kingdom.

Domestically, Algwinm emphasized the national Hajj system’s readiness to fight these fraudulent practices.

“We are closely watching social media and have caught people trying to offer unauthorized Hajj services,” he affirmed.

Algwinm stressed the importance of using official channels for Hajj registration.

“We urge all prospective pilgrims to apply through the official Nusuk platform for domestic pilgrims, Hajj offices in Islamic countries, and the Nusuk Hajj platform for non-Islamic countries,” he said.

He welcomed those who have secured a spot for this year’s Hajj and warned that those without a permit face strict penalties, including fines up to SAR 10,000, deportation, and a ban on re-entry if caught trying to enter illegally.

Boosting services

Algwinm announced that regulations on service companies will be stricter for this year’s Hajj season. He emphasized zero tolerance for unauthorized entry into sacred sites, promising firm and deterrent measures.

Moreover, he expected more pilgrims to arrive in Saudi Arabia than last year and assured that the ministry and service providers are prepared to handle the increase.

Around 400 companies will be involved in providing services, transportation, and catering to ensure a smooth Hajj experience.

The private sector is essential in the Hajj system, asserted Algwinm.

He noted the involvement of 35 service companies, 63 transportation firms, and 300 catering providers, making the private sector a key partner in delivering Hajj services.

He added that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is focused on improving service quality by empowering the private sector.

“We've boosted service classifications to prevent fraud and ensure high standards,” he said, ensuring that pilgrims receive the services they were promised.

Monitoring companies

He underscored stronger regulations for companies during this year’s Hajj season.

He highlighted the compliance (Emtithal) initiative that details penalties for service providers who don’t follow plans during Hajj.

Two companies were permanently suspended from operating last year, according to Algwinm.

He stated that several companies were slapped with heavy fines for violations.

Additionally, the ministry compensated pilgrims who didn’t receive some services promised to them, refunding money to both domestic and international pilgrims.



Saudi FM Reiterates Kingdom’s Rejection of Displacement of Palestinians

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
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Saudi FM Reiterates Kingdom’s Rejection of Displacement of Palestinians

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reiterated on Friday the Kingdom’s rejection of the displacement of Palestinians from their territories.

During a news conference following the "Antalya Ministerial Meeting on the Two-State Solution and Permanent Peace in the Middle East" in Türkiye, he stressed the importance of an immediate return to the ceasefire in Gaza.

The ceasefire must be sustainable, serve as a path to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza, and be the beginning of a final solution to the Palestinian cause through the establishment of a Palestinian state, he declared.

"The entry of aid to Gaza cannot be linked to a ceasefire, as this violates the foundations of international law, and preventing aid from reaching the Gaza Strip and using it as a tool of war is also a flagrant violation of all norms and the foundations of international law and is rejected by all," Prince Faisal said.

He called on the international community to exert all pressure to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza without interruption and in sufficient quantities.

He expressed the Kingdom's categorical rejection of all forms of displacement of the Palestinian people from their lands, even if it is through voluntary departure, considering that the Palestinians in Gaza are being deprived of most necessities of life.

"If aid is not entering, if the residents of Gaza are deprived of food, drink, and electricity, and if they are threatened every day with military bombardment, then even if one of them is forced to leave, that is not voluntary but a form of coercion. Therefore, it must be clear that any displacement of Palestinians in Gaza under any pretext is categorically rejected," he added.

Prince Faisal stressed that the Arab and Islamic group is committed to a comprehensive peace that guarantees the security of all in the region and guarantees the rights, security, and future of the Palestinian people within the framework of their independent state.