Nat’l Tymes News Desk
THE PILGRIMS Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has cautioned Ghanaians who were banned from entering Saudi Arabia during the 2025 Hajj to strictly avoid making any payments toward the 2026 pilgrimage.
In a statement signed by PAOG’s Director of Communications, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, the office explained that individuals banned by Saudi authorities will not be allowed to take part in next year’s Hajj under any circumstances.
The warning follows a major crackdown by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah during the 2025 pilgrimage, where thousands of people attempting to perform Hajj without proper permits were stopped. Saudi officials blocked more than 269,000 unregistered pilgrims from entering Mecca, including some Ghanaian nationals.
These affected individuals have reportedly been banned from entering Saudi Arabia for up to five years.
PAOG stressed that anyone under the ban who tries to pay for Hajj 2026 will only risk financial loss, as payments will not lead to visa approval and will not be refunded. The office also cautioned all accredited Hajj agents not to process applications or accept money from anyone listed as banned by Saudi authorities.
Saudi Arabia’s strict measures—implemented by both the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism—are aimed at improving safety, reducing overcrowding, and ensuring better management of the pilgrimage.
The regulations also prohibit accommodation facilities in Mecca from hosting anyone without a valid Hajj permit or residency/work permit during the Hajj season.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
