Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 2013-09-14

Hajj is a journey of a life time, an invitation extended by Allah to his creation. Yet this did not stop 13 fake Hajj groups who were detected of using social media like Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp to advertise their services for which they were charging SR1,800 to SR2,800 per pilgrim.

The Unified National Committee for Hajj and Umrah and the Coordinative Council for domestic pilgrims’ companies have notified police officials in several cities in Saudi Arabia of the presence of the fake Hajj groups during the last couple of days.

This is in a clear violation of the Hajj regulations announced last week in the Makkah governorate in which expatriate violators face immediate deportation and citizens, imprisonment for one year.

Deputy Chairman of the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah Muhammad Saad Al-Olayyani said the committee detected suspicious activity by these fake groups. After receiving numerous complaints from citizens, letters were sent to the authorities concerned including the police in different cities containing addresses of these fake groups so their owners can be arrested.

“Those in charge of these fake groups excelled in attempts to attract pilgrims through advertising very low charges that include standard accommodation and meals. This matter aroused concern. These fake groups already started posting their telephone numbers on the Internet even though official registration of Hajj groups has not yet started, nor have sites been allocated by the Ministry of Hajj,” Al-Olayyani added.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj Hatim Qadhi said penalties against fake Hajj groups are decided by the committee. The fines for violations reach SR100,000 for the first instance. If the violation is repeated the fine is increased to SR200,000.