The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah has firmly denied a viral social media claim alleging the arrest of a Filipino associated with a travel agency at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) for carrying a large sum of undeclared cash intended for Hajj pilgrims.
In a statement dated June 3, 2025, the consulate clarified that no such arrest occurred and dismissed the post as fabricated. “Upon inquiry with the Saudi Customs Office at KAIA, the Consulate General confirms that no such arrest took place and that there is no official record of any incident involving an individual in relation to undeclared cash at the airport,” the statement read.
The consulate also clarified that it has not released any official comment or confirmation related to the incident. “The Consulate General has not issued any statement confirming or commenting on this fabricated incident,” it added.
In the same advisory, the Consulate General warned the public against doing business with Al-Haramain Travel and Tours, Inc., stating that the agency is not authorized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to process Hajj visas for free pilgrims from the Philippines. “The public is once again reminded to transact only with accredited Hajj and Umrah operators… to avoid scams and fraudulent activities,” the consulate emphasized.
Filipinos planning to participate in Hajj or Umrah are strongly urged to “strictly adhere to proper procedures and guidelines to ensure a safe, orderly, and meaningful Hajj and Umrah experience.”
The Consulate General assured the public of its continued commitment to transparency and cooperation with relevant authorities, saying it “remains committed to upholding the truth and will continue to cooperate… to ensure that the rights and welfare of Filipino pilgrims are protected.”
