Risks of Non-Procedural Hajj: Why Travelling Without a Hajj Visa is Extremely Dangerous
The pilgrimage of Hajj is a dream for every Muslim. However, long waiting lists are often exploited by irresponsible parties offering rapid departures through non-prorandural channels. For prospective pilgrims in East Java planning to depart via Juanda International Airport, understanding the fatal risks behind using non-Hajj visas is crucial.
The Saudi Arabian government is increasingly tightening supervision of pilgrims who do not possess official permits (Tasrih). Below is an in-depth review of the risks and tips to prevent falling victim to illegal Hajj practices.
Non-procedural Hajj refers to departures that do not use official Hajj Visas issued by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Typically, unscrupulous travel agencies use other types of visas to deceive officials, including tourist or visit visas.
Risks include:
Deportation and Bans: Pilgrims caught without official Hajj Visas at checkpoints entering Makkah will be immediately deported. In addition to forced repatriation, the Saudi Arabian government imposes a travel ban on entering Saudi territory for 10 years or more.
Fines and Legal Penalties: Under the latest regulations, violators can face fines starting from 10,000 Riyals (tens of millions of Indonesian Rupiah). In severe cases, organisers or coordinators of illegal Hajj can face imprisonment.
Lack of Facilities: Non-procedural pilgrims do not have access to tents in Arafah and Mina managed by Masyariq. Consequently, pilgrims are often left stranded on the streets, without food rations, and face high health risks due to extreme weather without adequate protection.
Prevention Tips:
Verify Agencies: Before depositing any money, ensure the travel agency is officially registered as a Special Hajj Organiser (PIHK). You can check this via the ‘Hajj Pintar’ application or the official Ministry of Religious Affairs website.
Check Visa Types: Ensure the visa in your passport is a Hajj Visa. If an agency promises departure using ‘Invitation Visas’ or ‘Visit Visas’ for Hajj purposes, cancel immediately as this is illegal.
Beware of Low Prices: Hajj is a state-regulated worship. Offers of immediate departure at prices far below the standard cost for special Hajj (USD 8,000 - 9,000 and above) should be suspected as fraud.
Local Validation: For residents of East Java, you can visit the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in East Java or local district offices to validate travel agency offers before making transactions.
Regarding the legality of Mujamalah Visas (Hajj Furoda), these are legal provided they are officially issued by the Saudi Arabian Embassy and managed by PIHK agencies registered with the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Immigration officers at Juanda International Airport, Surabaya, recently thwarted the departure of 18 Indonesian citizens suspected of attempting illegal Hajj. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has revealed that approximately 80 prospective pilgrims without official visas have been prevented from departing across 14 international airports. The Indonesian National Police are currently investigating 95 initial reports regarding non-procedural Hajj methods.