The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is intensifying its collaborative efforts with various government bodies, including the Coordinating Ministry for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, to combat illegal Hajj practices in advance of upcoming departures to the holy land. This concerted action aims to ensure the integrity of the pilgrimage process.
Ahmad Abdullah, the Director of Supervision for Special Hajj and Umrah, stated on Friday that comprehensive inter-ministerial oversight is being implemented at both central and regional levels. He further specified that authorities are actively monitoring airports to prevent any unauthorized pilgrims from departing.
These measures are part of broader early detection initiatives designed to mitigate fraud and regulatory non-compliance in Hajj and Umrah travel arrangements. Officials underscore that strong cross-ministerial cooperation is crucial for eliminating vulnerabilities that illegal pilgrims might exploit.
Achmad Brahmantyo Machmud, an assistant deputy for immigration governance coordination, highlighted the potential financial implications of such activities. He noted that if an illegal pilgrim pays approximately Rp100 million, the collective losses could escalate into hundreds of billions if numerous individuals manage to enter Saudi Arabia unlawfully.
Machmud also cautioned against the misuse of various visa types, specifically mentioning the use of work visas by individuals intending to perform Hajj or Umrah. He warned that pilgrims who embark on illegal journeys risk apprehension and may face penalties such as fines or prolonged travel bans.
Officials advocate for the establishment of joint task forces involving multiple ministries to systematically bolster preventive measures, spanning from initial preparations to the final departure of pilgrims. This integrated approach is seen as a strategic step to strengthen the national monitoring framework and ensure the 2026 Hajj season proceeds in an orderly, secure, and compliant manner.
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