Indonesian Immigration officials have successfully prevented 42 non-procedural Hajj pilgrims from departing the country between April 18 and May 1, 2026. This decisive action is part of the government’s rigorous effort to crack down on the misuse of visas for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Moh. Hasan Afandi, Head of the Public Relations Bureau at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, emphasized that Indonesia fully supports the Saudi Arabian government’s official campaign, “No Hajj Without Permit.” Speaking at the Hajj Media Center in Jakarta on Saturday (May 2), Hasan underscored the importance of following legal protocols. “Hajj must be conducted through official channels using dedicated Hajj visas to ensure the pilgrimage remains orderly and safe, while protecting pilgrims from significant legal risks,” he stated.
He further clarified that utilizing non-Hajj visas—including work, pilgrimage (ziarah), visit, or transit visas—to perform the Hajj is a direct violation of Saudi Arabian regulations. Such practices undermine the established systems designed to manage the massive influx of pilgrims during the season.
To strengthen oversight and enforcement, the government has mobilized an Illegal Hajj Prevention Task Force. This collaborative body, which includes the National Police (Polri) and the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services, is tasked with early-stage intervention, public socialization, and the criminal prosecution of those facilitating illegal Hajj activities.
The consequences for pilgrims attempting to use improper documentation are severe. Hasan warned that violators face immediate denial of entry to Makkah and the holy sites of Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina. Beyond being barred from their religious duties, individuals may face heavy fines, deportation, and a 10-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia. Legal repercussions also extend to any parties caught organizing or facilitating these non-procedural departures.
The Ministry continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and avoid being lured by “no-wait” Hajj offers that bypass official regulations. “We encourage citizens to report any individual or organization offering or organizing non-procedural Hajj departures to the police immediately,” Hasan concluded.
Summary
Indonesian immigration officials prevented 42 individuals from departing for the Hajj pilgrimage between April 18 and May 1, 2026, due to visa irregularities. This enforcement aligns with the Saudi Arabian “No Hajj Without Permit” campaign, which mandates the use of official Hajj visas to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Authorities have established an Illegal Hajj Prevention Task Force to intercept unauthorized travelers and prosecute organizers of illicit pilgrimage schemes.
The government warns that using improper documentation, such as tourist or work visas, leads to severe penalties including deportation, heavy fines, and a 10-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia. Travelers are strictly advised to avoid “no-wait” offers that bypass official channels to prevent being denied entry to holy sites. Officials further urge the public to report any entities attempting to facilitate these illegal departures to local law enforcement.