Saudi Arabia Asks Indonesia To Ensure Pilgrims Use Official Hajj Visas

Illustration of pilgrims from Indonesia (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The government of Saudi Arabia reminds Indonesians not to use visas other than Hajj visas when performing the pilgrimage during the 2025 Hajj season.

The Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) Hilman Latief said the warning was delivered directly by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia.

Two days ago I was contacted directly by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Saudi. They asked Indonesia to increase awareness to the public about banning the use of visas other than Hajj visas," Hilman said when releasing the departure of Hajj officers at Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory, Jakarta, quoted by ANTARA.

According to Hilman, the Saudi government found many cases of fraud in which people were promised to go for Hajj using non-hajj visas, even though it was strictly prohibited.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is currently implementing strict regulations to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. Therefore, Indonesia is asked to show a high level of compliance with the regulation.

"They really want this not to happen in the country. Therefore, to show the level of compliance with regulations, we hope that there will be no more visas other than Hajj visas," said Hilman.

Previously, the Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar also emphasized the importance of collaboration with various parties to prevent illegal Hajj practices. He said that although the Ministry of Religion had issued various circulars, there were still cases of using non-hajj visas for worship.

"To prevent that, many agencies must be involved. We have instructed through circulars, but there are still," said Nasaruddin.

In line with that, Member of Commission VIII DPR RI, Prince Khairul Saleh, assessed that the use of non-hajj visas for Hajj is not just an administrative violation, but concerns the good name of the nation.

"This is not just an administrative matter, but concerns the state," said the Prince.