Congregants who have entered Ihram are forced to return home, the 2015 fake visa case becomes a lesson
JEDDAH, 4 May (Bernama) — The story of 30 Malaysian Hajj pilgrims who had entered Ihram but were stranded at the airport here after being caught using invalid visas in 2015, should be used as a lesson for future Hajj pilgrims.
Jeddah Hajj Operations Director Darul Nain Abu Bakar said the pilgrims involved were believed to have been deceived by an unofficial package offer that promised the opportunity to perform the Hajj pilgrimage via a shortcut.
He said although the submitted documents looked convincing with the names and photos of the holders, a check of Saudi Arabia’s immigration system found that the visas were invalid and not registered in their names.
“From the outside it looks like everything is correct, but in the system it doesn’t exist or doesn’t belong to them. That’s why you’re not allowed to enter,” he told reporters in Jakarta, yesterday.
Looking back at the incident, Darul Nain said he and consulate officers immediately went to the airport after receiving the report to help the pilgrims involved.
He said that the situation became very emotional when he found out that all the pilgrims were fully dressed in Ihram and ready to perform the Hajj.
“They came with very big hopes. Some were coming for the first time, some had been waiting for a long time. But in the end they had to accept the reality of not being able to continue their journey,” he said.
In an effort to reduce pressure on Hajj pilgrims, he said, the Malaysian Consulate held negotiations with Saudi Arabian authorities so that they would not be locked up.
“They are only detained in a special area of the airport while their affairs are resolved before being sent home. That’s all we can help with very strict rules,” he said.
He said that although there was sympathy and a desire to help, his party was still bound by the laws enforced by the Saudi Arabian government.
“This experience is enough to teach that when it comes to Hajj, compliance with the rules is the main thing that should not be taken lightly,” he said.
Therefore, Darul Nain reminded prospective Hajj pilgrims to be more careful and not be easily influenced by dubious offers that promise easy entry to the Holy Land.
“Use legitimate channels such as the Tabung Haji Institution or recognized institutions. Don’t take shortcuts because the risks are very high,” he said.
He said that control was now being tightened with multiple checks at every entrance, including for local residents, as a step to ensure there were no violations of regulations.
Darul Nain said, in organizing large-scale Hajj which involves millions of pilgrims every year, compliance with the rules is the most crucial aspect to ensure the safety and smooth running of the entire Hajj pilgrimage.
“There is no room for compromise in terms of visas. If it is not legal, action will still be taken even though we know they have sacrificed a lot to get here,” he said.
He said, apart from failing to perform the Hajj, pilgrims also face other risks, including financial losses and the possibility of being blacklisted by Saudi Arabian authorities, thereby affecting their chances of returning to the country in the future.
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