By John Umeh
In a major setback for intending Muslim pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has closed its Hajj visa issuance portal, leaving 2,717 Nigerian pilgrims unable to obtain travel authorization for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The unexpected closure came just days before final preparations were to be made, throwing affected pilgrims and Hajj authorities into disarray. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed the development, describing the situation as deeply regrettable and beyond its control.
According to NAHCON officials, the visa portal closure occurred as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to manage the overwhelming global demand for Hajj slots and maintain strict timelines for visa processing. Despite Nigeria meeting many of the stipulated deadlines, a significant number of visa applications were left pending at the time of the closure.
“This is heartbreaking,” one affected pilgrim, Malam Abdullahi from Kano State, told reporters. “I’ve saved for years and completed all requirements, only to be told days before departure that I cannot go.”
The 2,717 affected pilgrims, mostly from private tour operators, had fulfilled the necessary payment and documentation processes, but their applications had not been finalized before the Saudi e-portal was deactivated.
In a statement, NAHCON expressed its sympathy for those affected and promised to engage Saudi authorities in future discussions to prevent such occurrences. “We understand the emotional and spiritual significance of the Hajj,” the commission said. “We are working to ensure improved coordination in the coming years.”
This year, Nigeria was allocated over 95,000 Hajj slots, with thousands of pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia or en route. However, the latest visa disruption highlights the persistent logistical and diplomatic challenges tied to one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.
As disappointment spreads among affected pilgrims and their families, calls are growing for earlier planning, stronger diplomatic engagements, and reforms in the Hajj organization system to better safeguard the interests of Nigerian Muslims.
For now, the denied pilgrims will have to wait another year for a chance to fulfill one of Islam’s most important religious obligations.
