The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a strong warning about a growing Hajj and Umrah job scam, cautioning citizens to stay alert as fraudulent advertisements continue to appear in newspapers and on social media platforms. These fake job postings target individuals seeking employment in Saudi Arabia, especially those hoping to assist pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
According to the ministry, a fake advertisement published on December 8 caught national attention after it falsely claimed to offer service jobs in Makkah and Madinah. The ad promised employment opportunities under the name Khuddam al-Hujjaj,along with free visas, accommodation, and return tickets. However, officials confirmed that the advertisement was part of a wider Hajj and Umrah job scam, designed to exploit innocent people.
Fake Ads Using Fraudulent Company Names
The ministry shared an image of the suspicious advertisement posted by an entity calling itself Khadmeen Hajj, which falsely offered two-year service jobs assisting pilgrims. It also listed a wrong registration number from the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE). Authorities verified that the registration ID did not exist in official records.
This incident is not isolated, as similar scams have surfaced in recent years. Fraudsters often use religious sentiments to lure individuals into transferring money, submitting passports, or sharing personal data. In many cases, victims realize much later that they have been trapped in a Hajj and Umrah job scam with no legal recourse.
Ministry Urges Public to Verify All Details
To protect citizens from such schemes, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has strongly advised people to verify all company details through official government portals. These include the BEOE website, the Ministry of Religious Affairs portal, and the Protector of Emigrants offices. Officials emphasized that genuine overseas recruitment agencies always use official landline numbers, not personal mobile numbers that scammers commonly list.
Public awareness is critical, as scammers frequently design ads to look professional, use religious references, and promise unrealistic benefits. As the demand for Hajj and Umrah service jobs rises each year, the ministry warned that more fraudulent campaigns could appear, making verification even more important. Avoiding these traps is essential to stopping the spread of the Hajj and Umrah job scam.
Legal Action Underway Against Fraudsters
The Ministry confirmed that action has already begun against those involved in publishing the fake job advertisement. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to identify the individuals operating the scheme and to hold them accountable under relevant laws.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious recruitment activity immediately. The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that complaints related to the Hajj and Umrah job scam can be sent directly to law enforcement authorities or reported on official government helplines. Quick reporting can help prevent more people from falling victim to similar fraudulent schemes.
How the Public Can Stay Safe
To safeguard against scams, the ministry issued several important recommendations:
- Verify the company’s license number on government websites before applying for any overseas job.
- Never contact mobile numbers listed on suspicious advertisements.
- Avoid sharing personal documents, such as passports or ID cards, without confirming the agency’s authenticity.
- Check for official partnerships with Saudi government institutions, which are always publicly listed.
- Report suspicious ads immediately to relevant authorities.
The ministry stressed that any legitimate recruitment for Hajj or Umrah duties must go through licensed operators approved by the Government of Pakistan. No company can legally offer free visas or unauthorized employment in Saudi Arabia, making such claims a clear red flag of a Hajj and Umrah job scam.
Growing Need for Awareness
With millions of Pakistanis aspiring to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah each year, fraudsters continue to exploit their religious devotion. These criminals understand that people seeking spiritual journeys may overlook proper verification, making them vulnerable.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs highlighted that public awareness campaigns will continue nationwide. Through social media, newspapers, and community announcements, officials aim to alert people about the risks and signs of the Hajj and Umrah job scam.
The recent warning underscores the importance of vigilance when dealing with overseas job advertisements, especially those linked to religious services. By verifying information, avoiding suspicious contacts, and relying only on authorized recruitment channels, citizens can protect themselves from the growing Hajj and Umrah job scam.
The Ministry’s quick response and ongoing investigations show a strong commitment to safeguarding the public. Staying alert and informed is the best way to ensure that individuals remain protected from fraud and can pursue genuine opportunities safely.
