The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged pilgrims to ensure the use of NUSUK card (identification and access card) to avoid being arrested by Saudi Arabian authorities.
Its Executive Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, made the call in a statement by the commission’s assistant director, public affairs, Mrs Fatima Sanda-Usara, yesterday in Abuja.
She said, ”The commission wishes to address the recent concerns and complaints regarding pilgrims being arrested or prevented from accessing the Masjidul Haram in Makkah for not being in possession of their NUSUK ID cards.
”NAHCON had at different fora with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and hajj tour operators in Nigeria before the commencement of transportation of pilgrims stressed the importance of the card.
”The card is a crucial document required for identification and access to the masha’er during the hajj exercise. The highest religious body of Saudi Arabia has issued a fatwa in this regard making it mandatory for every pilgrim to obtain a Hajj permit for the wellbeing of all.”
Snda-Usara quoted Arabi as reminding all the Nigerian pilgrims of the mandatory possession of Nusuk ID cards, adding that all the pilgrims must collect their cards on arrival in Makkah from officials at designated distribution points.
He said pilgrims could inquire about collection procedures from the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards or tour operators they registered with.
Arabi said, ” It is imperative to always carry these cards, as they are the recognised means of identifying pilgrims and for having access to key areas during hajj.
”Pilgrims with smartphones can download the card app from play store or itunes stores. They can use their passport and visa numbers to activate and access digital copies of their cards.”
He enjoined pilgrims to be vigilant and aware of the presence of illegal pilgrims attempting to steal and use the cards to gain access to the Masha’er.
The chairman added, ” Guard your cards carefully and report any suspicious activity to the nearest authorities.”
He also urged all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operators to emphasise the importance of the cards to registered pilgrims during their pre-departure briefings and periodic engagements with pilgrims.
”Assist pilgrims in collecting their NUSUK cards if needed and Liaise with their respective field offices for this purpose. There are severe penalties for anyone caught performing or aiding others to perform hajj illegally. The penalties include a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals.
”Six months imprisonment, immediate deportation and banning from Saudi Arabia for 10 years.
”We understand that some pilgrims may have misplaced their NUSUK cards. In such cases, pilgrims should contact their respective state pilgrims’ officials or NAHCON’s operational office in Makkah for assistance,” he said.
Arabi urged all the pilgrims to adhere strictly to the guidelines to avoid any inconvenience or disruption in their spiritual journey. Similarly, he warned them against harbouring or aiding any illegal pilgrim, reiterating that NAHCON was committed to ensuring a smooth and safe hajj experience for all Nigerian pilgrims. (NAN)
