On May 20, New York City Council passed legislation designed to help New Yorkers recognize fraudulent Hajj and Umrah-related promotions. The new city ordinance, New York City Administrative Code § 20-706.7, requires the commissioner of consumer and worker protection to create an outreach and education program on recognizing and reporting fraudulent visa, transportation, accommodation, and catering services marketed in connection with Hajj and Umrah. The commissioner is also to develop material on best practices for researching, booking and record-keeping for services connected with participating in Hajj and Umrah. These are to include information on use of Saudi Arabia’s official platform, Nusuk Hajj. New York City issued a press release announcing the passage of the Ordinance and outlining the need for it.
