JEDDAH: The Ministry of Haj and Umrah has taken a strong exception to the ongoing phantom campaigns on some social media accounts selling Haj visas.

In a stern warning to those running such campaigns, the ministry advised that using the e-portal is the correct way to obtain Haj visas. “Ignore such campaigns as they victimize Allah’s guests (pilgrims and visitors) and restrain them from performing the rituals,” the ministry stated.

The ministry indicated that it has been daily monitoring the Haj pilgrim numbers and checking their arrival and other details on day-to-day basis, and urged the offices of Haj Affairs and service organizations to complete the Haj visa procedures without loss of time.

The ministry highlighted its close cooperation with government agencies and stated that it has been following all the procedures required to catch those involved in such campaigns inside and outside the Kingdom.

In addition, the ministry has called upon the people willing to perform Haj to find the information on the Ministry of Haj and Umrah’s website, and report such violations on the following toll-free numbers: National: 8004304444, international: +966-920002814, or the ministry’s website: www.haj.gov.sa.