03.11.2025 12:58
Four companies that have victimized citizens with advertisements for "non-lottery Hajj" and "special Hajj without a visa" have been fined administratively. The companies were also penalized with an advertisement suspension. The statement indicated that citizens were being misled into seeking commercial or tourist visas to the holy lands due to deceptive advertisements such as non-lottery Hajj and special Hajj visa.
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Punishments were imposed on promotions that exploit the religious and spiritual feelings of citizens.
The statement came from the Ministry of Trade. The ministry reported that administrative fines and advertising suspension decisions were applied to four companies.
"HAJJ SERVICES ARE PROVIDED THROUGH AUTHORIZED AGENCIES"
In the statement made by the ministry, it was emphasized that the services related to the pilgrimage (Hajj) are carried out through authorized travel agencies in accordance with the principles set forth in the relevant legislation and within the allocated pilgrimage quota in Turkey.
It was stated in the announcement that the basic principles of pilgrimage activities and the method of determining the candidates for pilgrimage are determined by the Inter-Ministerial Hajj and Umrah Board, and it was reminded that, in line with the decisions taken each year, candidates for pilgrimage are determined by a lottery method among citizens who renew their pilgrimage registrations or register for the first time, taking into account their accommodation preferences and pre-registration years.
WARNING AGAINST "LOTTERY-FREE HAJJ" ADVERTISEMENTS
The statement emphasized that citizens who perform their worship with a pilgrimage visa within the allocated quota for Turkey are fulfilling their religious duties legally and safely, and pointed out that citizens are being directed to the holy lands with commercial or tourist visas due to misleading advertisements such as lottery-free pilgrimage and special pilgrimage visas.
"RELIGIOUS SENSITIVITIES ARE BEING EXPLOITED"
It was highlighted in the statement that this situation leads to serious consequences such as the inability to perform the pilgrimage, not being able to benefit from accommodation and transportation services, suffering in health services, and being deported. The following was recorded:
"- In this context, the promotions that exploit our citizens' religious and spiritual feelings are being meticulously examined by the Advertising Board of the Ministry of Trade.
- In accordance with the decision taken at the 362nd meeting of the Board, administrative fines and advertising suspension decisions have been applied to 4 companies identified due to misleading promotions made outside the procedures determined by the legislation, such as 'special pilgrimage visa' and 'lottery-free pilgrimage.'
- As the Ministry of Trade, we are resolutely continuing our fight against all kinds of deceptive advertisements and promotions that create victimization by exploiting our citizens' religious sensitivities.
- Our ministry will continue to carry out its inspections aimed at protecting consumers, ensuring public order, and establishing reliable commercial communication with utmost diligence, without leaving any room for exceptions."
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