Hope rises ahead of the Hajj 2023 as the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah approved the pre-Covid allocation to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also removed the age limit and canceled PCR tests for the Hajj.
The was stated by the director general, Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Bahauddeen bin Yusuf Alwani at a virtual preparatory meeting for Hajj Season 1444AH with the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Alhaji Zukrullah Kunle Hassan.
Other guidelines released for the 2023 Hajj according to a statement by NAHCON assistant director, Information and Publications, Mousa Ubandawaki, Wednesday said the ministry also granted the commission the right of choice of package for pilgrims services from the Mutawwiffs of African Non-Arab countries, the company responsible for the tent, feeding, and transportation arrangements at the Mashair.
The statement read in part: “In addition, the ministry also stated that henceforth any payment to service providers must be through the e-track or e-wallet platforms as the Kingdom will not take responsibilities for payment outside the two platforms.
“The ministry also announced that accommodation agreements are to be concluded by the 10th of February (Shaaban) and others by the 24th of January (Rajab).
“Details of the discussion included that information on the choice of airliners approved by the commission for the airlift operations and their allocation must be submitted early enough to fast-track the Hajj 2023 preparation.
“Other highlights are; That NAHCON must submit information about pilgrims 72 hours before their departure to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enable adequate arrangements for their services.
“Earlier the DG had expressed regret over the ministry’s inability to grant NAHCON’s request during the 2022 Hajj for an additional 5,000 allocations and airlift slot.”
