The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) wishes to inform the general public, especially prospective pilgrims, that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has intensified enforcement of permit regulations for Hajj 2026.
During the 2025 Hajj, the Saudi government banned over 269,000 unregistered pilgrims from entering Mecca.
Among them were Ghanaian nationals who are now banned from entering Saudi Arabia for approximately five (5) years. this statement was Sign Mohammed Amin Lamptey Director of Communications, PAOG
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The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has also directed accommodation facilities in Mecca not to host individuals without valid Hajj permits or work/residency permits during the Hajj season.
In view of this, PAOG strongly advises all accredited Hajj agents and prospective pilgrims not to process or accept Hajj payments from banned individuals. Any attempt to do so will result in severe complications and non-refundable losses.
No refunds will be issued to banned individuals who attempt to pay for Hajj 2026. The Saudi government will not issue visas to such persons under any circumstances.
