(RNS) — The New York City Council passed a bill to educate New Yorkers on scams related to the Hajj and Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimages performed by millions every year.
The first of its kind, the New York City bill aims to protect pilgrims, and particularly seniors, navigating the Hajj travel industry from scams related to travel, accommodation, catering services and visa applications.
“Fraudulent travel packages, fake visa brokers, and predatory booking services have for too long targeted New York City Muslims who save for years to make these pilgrimages,” wrote Harlem Council Member Yusef Salaam, who sponsored the bill and is a Muslim, in a press release.
Hajj, which begins on Sunday (May 24), is a seven-day pilgrimage that Muslims are expected to complete in their lifetime if they have the means and are physically fit. It is considered one of Islam’s five pillars and takes place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, one of Islam’s holiest sites. Umrah, another pilgrimage to Mecca, is a non-mandatory ritual and can be accomplished at any time.
Since 2022, visas and permits for the pilgrimages have been delivered by the Saudi government through Nusuk, an online platform. Some pilgrims save for years to afford the trip, which can cost anywhere between $9,000 and $15,000, and many turn to specialized travel agencies to handle the planning. Some 1.5 million p …