5th March, 2020
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has urged pilgrims who paid for lesser Hajj (Umrah) to contact their tour operators for refund following its suspension by Saudi Arabian authorities due to coronavirus.
NAHCON Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Fatima Usara said this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.
Usara urged those who paid for the lesser Hajj through licensed tour operators to keep in touch with them for collection of their money when eventually released by Saudi Arabia.
She also advised pilgrims, who encountered challenges in the process of collecting their refund to lodge complaints with the commission.
Usara said they can lodge their complaints through the commission’s Head of Inspectorate and Compliance on this number 08033826429 as well as Visa and Consular Section on 07933701605.
She however insisted that all claims should be backed up with evidences. She said; “All claims must be accompanied with valid documents and evidence of transaction with the registered operator.
Usara said that the announcement followed a circular by Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah informing Muslim faithful of its resolve to refund lesser Hajj visa fees and other service charges to pilgrims.
“This is sequel to suspension of lesser Hajj activities by the Kingdom’s authorities as a measure towards halting the spread of COVID-19 infection.
“An electronic method for refunding lesser Hajj visa applicants through their local agents has been prepared for payments,” she said.
Usara, therefore, urged those with legitimate claim to contact their travel agents for retrieval of their dues.