State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Commissions, and Agencies have been directed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, to finalize the grouping of pilgrims into groups of 45 and complete data upload to the e-track portal by Friday, April 26 for this year’s Hajj.
According to a statement by NAHCON’s Deputy Director, Information & Publications Division, Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki, the groupings are aimed at simplifying visa issuance on the Saudi visa e-track platform.
The Commission stated that this action aligns with the mandatory Saudi policy on Tafweej grouping for the 2024 Hajj movement.
In light of new measures introduced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj operations, including the compulsory grouping of pilgrims into 45-member groups, NAHCON emphasized that pilgrim visas would only be issued upon completion of a group of 45.
NAHCON is also encouraging pilgrims wishing to travel together in specific groups to coordinate with their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards for grouping, as this is the sole means to arrange travel companions.
The statement reiterated that these groups of 45 will undergo all Hajj activities together, from departure in Nigeria, accommodation and movement in Makkah and Madinah, Masha’ir activities, to the return journey to Nigeria.
The Commission emphasized that this is the final opportunity provided by the Saudis to finalize all preparations for group travel by intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj operations.
Following the deadline, all pilgrims will be bound to their selected group members, whose visas will be processed collectively.