The Government Warns Illegal Hajj Will Be Rejected, Fined, Blacklisted for 10 Years

JAKARTA - The government warns the public not to venture to Saudi Arabia without an official Hajj visa. Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) Moch. Irfan Yusuf or Gus Irfan emphasized that this year's supervision will be stricter and the risk is not small.

"We hope that no more Indonesian people will leave for the hajj without using a valid hajj visa," said Irfan at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, April 15.

He revealed that last year, about 1,000 people were prevented from leaving because they did not have a Hajj visa. In Saudi Arabia, the number of cases is even more. Many have already entered, but cannot go to Mecca because they have a pilgrimage visa or a work visa.

"Last year, 1,000 people were detained and prevented from being able to leave because they did not use a Hajj visa," he said.

According to Irfan, this year the Saudi government will tighten inspections at a number of points. Therefore, residents who do not have a Hajj visa are asked not to force themselves to leave.

"If it happens that you leave there, you will definitely be denied entry. Then the second possibility is to be fined. Then the third is deportation. And the worst thing is to be blacklisted for 10 years," said Irfan.

The warning is important because the visa issue is no longer about whether or not to enter Mecca. The risk is already in the legal and long-term sanctions.