MAKKAH, 27 November 2007 — With pilgrims from the across the world amalgamating in Makkah for the Haj, and local authorities striving to provide them with a trouble-free pilgrimage, much of the good is being overshadowed by bogus Haj operators trying to earn a quick buck from domestic pilgrims.
“There are fake Haj operators currently working in towns and cities across Saudi Arabia. One of my friends was deceived by a bogus company in Jeddah last year,” said Abdulllah Fayad, a local Saudi.
“The group asked him for SR3,000 payment to perform Haj. He handed over the money and was handed a fake Haj permit. A few days before Haj, the manager of the group disappeared and my friend couldn’t enter Makkah with the fake permit.”
Hassan Mabrook, a Sudanese expatriate, said he, together with 20 other people, were conned last year at a local Haj office. “We submitted our papers at the office and paid SR3,500 each. The manager of the office convinced us that we were going to get our Haj permits in a few days. However, when we rang him he wouldn’t pick up the phone. He then closed down the office a couple of days before Haj,” said Mabrook. “It’s a wonder they can get away with all this,” he added.
Mahmoud Abdul Kareem, a Haj expert in Makkah, confirmed the existence of such fraudsters. “I heard about one fraudster who was arrested after he rented an office and printed out fake coupons and permits from the Ministry of Commerce, Makkah Municipality and the Ministry of Haj,” Abdul Kareem said.
“He was advertising his office with special offers and prices, and attracted lots of pilgrims. After taking money from people he simply disappeared. The pilgrims couldn’t get their money back or get Haj permits,” he added.
Fahd Al-Ammash, a Saudi resident in Makkah, said, “There are different types of fraud that are taking place. Some Haj operators buy or rent permits from other operators, and use them to open their own companies. Once they collect money from people they disappear and leave the operators, under whose name permits have been issued, to pick up the mess. People end up not being able to perform Haj.”
An official at the Ministry of Haj admitted the presence of illusionary Haj operators each year. The official, who asked not to be named, said the ministry made arrests of several people running around 15 bogus Haj offices. He added that these cases were being investigated.
Saad Al-Qurashi, vice chairman of the Committee on Haj and Umrah Pilgrimage at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the problem was worse in previous years. “The Haj Ministry has been cracking down on this by carrying out inspections. A new law passed by the Council of Ministers this year stated that such companies would be handed SR100,000 fines and 6-12 months prison sentences,” he added.
Gen. Abid Katib, assistant manager at the Passport Department for Haj and Umrah Affairs, called on people to be careful when selecting Haj companies. “People need to be a little bit careful when selecting Haj companies,” he said. “The Passport Department officers stand at all entry points into Makkah to scan Haj permits and ensure pilgrims do not enter the city with fake permits. People should only register with reputable organizations,” he added.
