The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has disclosed that over 269,000 individuals without valid Hajj permits were denied entry into Mecca during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, including some Ghanaians who are now banned from Saudi Arabia for approximately five years.Ghana tourism services
The Saudi Government, through its Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, enforced the bans on thousands of unregistered pilgrims and those attempting to travel with inappropriate visas.
In a statement dated December 3, PAOG also noted that the Saudi Ministry of Tourism has prohibited all accommodation facilities in Mecca from hosting anyone without a valid Hajj permit or a work/residency permit during the pilgrimage season.
“These measures aim to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and maintain order throughout the pilgrimage,” PAOG said.
Meanwhile, the Ghanaian government, through PAOG, confirmed on November 10 that final arrangements for the 2026 Hajj have been completed following the signing of key agreements between Ghana and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 Hajj and Umrah Conference in Jeddah.
According to a statement issued by the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf, Nawaf Bin Mohamed Al Maawda for PAOG, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, officially signed the 1447 Hajj Agreements and Arrangements on Monday, November 10, 2025.
The signing ceremony, which took place during Minister Al Maawda’s participation in the 5th Edition of the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, marks a major milestone in preparations for next year’s pilgrimage.
Source: Citi Newsroom
