Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Strengthens Collaboration to Prevent Illegal Hajj Practices

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to strengthen cross-ministerial collaboration, including with the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, to prevent illegal Hajj practices ahead of departures to the Holy Land.

Director of Special Hajj and Umrah Supervision at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ahmad Abdullah, emphasised that inter-ministerial oversight is conducted comprehensively, both at the central and regional levels.

“We at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also carry out supervision at airports to ensure no pilgrims depart illegally,” Abdullah stated in Jakarta on Friday.

According to him, strengthened oversight is accompanied by early detection measures in various regions, as part of the Ministry’s commitment to curbing fraudulent practices and violations in the organisation of Hajj and Umrah.

“If one illegal Hajj pilgrim pays around 100 million rupiah, that figure could reach hundreds of billions if many slip through to Saudi Arabia,” said Ahmad.

He also warned of the potential misuse of visas, including the use of work visas for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage purposes.

“Pilgrims who depart illegally can be caught and face penalties such as fines or long-term travel bans,” he said.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah views this synergy as a strategic step to bolster the national oversight system, while ensuring the 2026 Hajj runs orderly, safely, and in accordance with regulations.