Saudi rolls out guidelines for 2025 Hajj as pilgrims return Saturday

Saudi Arabia’s government has released an operational guideline for the commencement of the 2025 Hajj exercise, 48 hours after completing the 2024 rites.

The 2025 hajj, according to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, takes full course beginning September 1, 2024 and ends with pilgrims’ arrival into the Kingdom scheduled for 29th April 2025.

Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Jalal Ahmed Arabi disclosed the 2025 plan during the post-Arafah stakeholders meeting held yesterday in Makkah.

Arabi noted that the Saudi government unveiled activities for next year’s rites early enough to enable participating countries to commence engagement with service providers and complete other travel arrangements at the stipulated time.

The NAHCON boss explained the 2025 guideline begins in September with the opening of an e-tracker for service payment. October 2024 is slated for the end of engagement with service providers while visa issuance commences on 19th February 2025 and terminates on 18th April 2025.

He tasked state pilgrims’ welfare board and private tour operators to brace up ahead of next year’s timeline and insisted NAHCON would strictly adhere to the rules of Saudi Arabia.

While given an overview of activities in the ongoing exercise, Arabia stressed that his leadership adopted the best policy and strategic approach to delivering improved service to pilgrims.

He noted that despite significant successes attained in 2024, the commission is evaluating areas of weaknesses for correction. The NAHCON boss pleaded for forgiveness in areas where the commission had got it wrong in its approach.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, represented by his deputy, Senator. Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan said NAHCON has performed credibly well, especially in the areas of pilgrims’ airlift, accommodation, and feeding in Madina. He pledged the assembly’s determination to enact laws that would improve pilgrims’ welfare in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the return flight from Nigeria will commence with Flynas Airline on Saturday conveying Kebbi State pilgrims. On the same day, Max Air and Air Peace will also depart the Kingdom with pilgrims of Nassarawa and FCT, Abuja.

NAHCON, Head of Aviation, Engr. Goni Sanda hinted that the outbound operation will begin with a minimum of three flights daily and will subsequently be increased to a maximum of six for quick return of passengers.

Sanda emphasized strict adherence to the first arrival to first departure policy and assured that no pilgrim will spend more than 39 days in the Kingdom.

He cautioned pilgrims to avoid excess luggage beyond 32kg checking packages and concealment of Zamzam water, which can lead to flight cancellation.