Thousands of Indonesian pilgrims hoping to perform Hajj using the furoda visa have been left stranded after Saudi Arabia halted the issuance of these special visas for the 2025 pilgrimage season, Jakarta Globe reported. The announcement came less than a week before the key ritual at Arafat on June 5.

The furoda visa is a unique category, granted directly by the Saudi government through a personal royal invitation rather than through the official quota system managed by Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Ministry. This allows pilgrims to bypass the long waiting lists that often stretch several years for regular and special Hajj quotas. Due to its exclusivity, the furoda route has become popular among those willing to pay significantly higher fees in exchange for a faster path to Mecca.

However, the legality and transparency of the furoda visa system have long been questioned in Indonesia. It operates in a legal grey zone without formal regulation, which has led to concerns over fraud and unprotected pilgrims. This year’s sudden visa suspension has intensified calls from the Indonesian Alliance of Haramain Entrepreneurs (Asphirasi) for the government to step in and regulate the process, ensuring better protection and clearer guidelines.

Firdaus Mohammad Adam, General Manager of Fatimah Zahra Travel, explained that his company suffered substantial losses after booking arrangements for 37 pilgrims, expecting visa approval as in previous years. He urged pilgrims to consider registering for the official special quota instead, which, though involving longer waits, guarantees legal protection and better services.

Special Hajj packages start at around $16,950, offering VIP amenities near core worship areas. In contrast, furoda packages in 2024 ranged between $23,000 and $60,000. Despite these setbacks, travel agencies like Fatimah Zahra remain committed, accepting risks as part of the pilgrimage business.

While the furoda visa’s appeal lies in its speed and exclusivity, the recent disruption highlights the risks involved in relying on informal channels. Ultimately, a clearer regulatory framework may be necessary to balance demand with fairness and security for pilgrims.