The Ministry of Haj affirmed yesterday that pilgrims from all parts of the world are treated alike and that the Haj regulations stipulate that only those who comply with terms and conditions governing Haj visas are allowed to enter the Kingdom.
“A woman below 45 should be accompanied by a mahram for Haj and this fact is clearly stated in the entry visa issued to a woman and her mahram regardless of the nationality of a pilgrim,” spokesman of the ministry Hasan Qadi said in a statement to SPA. The statement was issued following media reports quoting president of the Nigerian Haj Mission that a group of Nigerian women Haj pilgrims who arrived in the Kingdom were denied entry at the airport and flown back.
According to a Reuters report on Friday, Nigeria suspended flights to Saudi Arabia for Haj, following some difference of opinion between the two countries about the detention of some female pilgrims for arriving unaccompanied by men.
Reuters also reported that Aminu Tambuwal, Nigeria’s Parliament speaker, was due to visit the Kingdom to try to resolve the issue.
“The rule that a mahram should accompany a woman is applied to all who want to get an entry visa to Saudi Arabia to perform Haj and it has been in force for a long time,” Qadi said. “The Ministry of Haj confirms the keenness of Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to receive pilgrims from all over the world ensuring their comfort and freedom from worries but they should adhere to the regulations,” he said.
Meanwhile, authorities have started deporting 1,100 Nigerian women as the Saudi Passport Department and the Nigerian Consulate could not settle the issue. Already 171 pilgrims were sent back on Wednesday, Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper reported.
Compliance with Haj rules a must
