Saudi Arabia Opens Hajj 1447 AH (2026) Registration for Muslim Minority Pilgrims

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially commenced the Hajj 1447 AH (2026) registration process, marking a significant step, particularly for pilgrims from Muslim minority countries. This pivotal announcement by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah underlines the country's commitment to facilitating a seamless, secure, and transparent pilgrimage experience, directly aligning with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The core of this digital overhaul is the mandatory use of the Nusuk Hajj platform. The registration for pilgrims from Muslim minority groups has been opened early to manage the global influx more efficiently.

I. The Digital Gateway: Nusuk Hajj Platform

The Nusuk Hajj platform represents a monumental shift in the management of the annual pilgrimage, replacing the traditional reliance on external agents and third-party travel offices. The emphasis is on a Direct Hajj Program, empowering pilgrims from Muslim minority countries to manage their applications directly.

A. The Only Authorized Channel for Registration

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has unequivocally declared that Nusuk Hajj is the sole authorized digital portal for Hajj 1447 AH (2026) registration. This official channel ensures security, transparency, and official oversight, which is crucial for pilgrims from Muslim minority nations who may have historically faced greater logistical challenges. The platform's integrated digital experience covers the entire journey, from registration for pilgrims to package selection and final secure payment.

Important Advisory: The Ministry strongly cautions all prospective pilgrims from Muslim minority countries against using unauthorized links, external offices, or any third-party services claiming to offer Hajj registration or payment services outside of the official Nusuk Hajj website: hajj.nusuk.sa. Only licensed service providers, officially approved through Nusuk Hajj, are authorized to facilitate bookings, protecting pilgrims from Muslim minority groups from potential fraud.

B. Dates for Hajj 1447 AH (2026) Registration

The early commencement of the Hajj 1447 AH (2026) registration process is a notable feature, allowing ample time for pilgrims from Muslim minority countries to prepare their documentation and secure their initial place.

Official Registration Start Date: 15 Rabi' Al-Thani 1447 AH, which corresponds to October 7, 2025.

Current Phase Focus: At this stage, the platform primarily supports account registration.

Future Announcement: Detailed information regarding Hajj package selection and subsequent bookings will be announced at a later date. This staggered approach helps manage the high volume of interest in the Hajj 1447 AH (2026) registration process.

II. Step-by-Step Registration Process for Muslim Minority Pilgrims

The Hajj 1447 AH (2026) registration procedure via Nusuk Hajj is designed to be user-friendly, catering specifically to the needs of the individual pilgrims from Muslim minority countries.

A. The Digital Application Flow

The step-by-step process for pilgrims seeking Hajj 1447 AH (2026) registration is as follows:

Visit the Official Portal: Access hajj.nusuk.sa.

Select Country of Residence: This step is crucial for identifying the applicant as one of the pilgrims from Muslim minority countries eligible for the Direct Hajj Program.

Email Entry and Terms: Enter a valid email address and accept the platform’s terms and conditions.

OTP Verification: Complete the One-Time Password (OTP) verification for security.

Secure Password Creation: Establish a secure password for the Nusuk Hajj account.

B. Required Documentation and Group Registration

For the registration for pilgrims from Muslim minority countries to be valid, applicants must upload specific documents:

Passport: A valid international passport.

Personal Photograph: A recent personal photograph.

Proof of Residence: Official documentation proving the country of residence.

A key feature benefiting pilgrims from Muslim minority communities is the group registration option:

Family Grouping: The Nusuk Hajj system permits users to add up to seven family members under a single account, significantly simplifying group registration for pilgrims.

III. Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience and Future Phases

The introduction of the Nusuk Hajj platform for Hajj 1447 AH (2026) registration is part of a broader, sustained effort by Saudi Arabia to enhance the experience for all pilgrims, including the Muslim minority countries.

A. Beyond Initial Registration: Packages and Payment

While the current phase focuses solely on securing initial registration for pilgrims from Muslim minority countries, the platform will soon transition to the booking and payment phases:

Package Selection: The Nusuk Hajj platform will eventually allow pilgrims to browse and select various Hajj packages, including accommodation options and local transport services within the areas of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

Secure Digital Payment: The entire transaction process, including the final payment for the selected Hajj packages, will be completed digitally through the secure Nusuk Hajj system, eliminating the need for cash transactions with intermediaries.

B. Registration for Hajj Guides

The digital transformation extends beyond just the pilgrims from Muslim minority countries. Individuals aspiring to offer services during the pilgrimage can also participate in the Hajj 1447 AH (2026) registration process:

“Become a Guide” Option: Individuals wishing to serve as official licensed Hajj guides can also register through the Nusuk Hajj platform by selecting the “Become a Guide” online option.

Approval Process: Applicants must complete the necessary forms for approval by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s licensed service providers.

Phase	Activity	Estimated Timing (Current Focus)	Notes for Pilgrims from Muslim Minority Countries
I	Account & Initial Registration	15 Rabi' Al-Thani 1447 AH (Oct 7, 2025) Onwards	Mandatory use of Nusuk Hajj website (`hajj.nusuk.sa`). No external agents are permitted.
II	Hajj Package Selection	To be announced later	Opportunity to choose from diverse accommodation and service packages.
III	Payment & Visa Issuance	To be announced later	Finalizing the booking with secure digital payment through Nusuk Hajj.
IV	Pilgrimage (Hajj)	Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH (Approx. June 2026)	The actual pilgrimage, facilitated by the successful registration for pilgrims.

The continuous effort by Saudi Arabia to enhance the logistics of the pilgrimage through initiatives like the Nusuk Hajj platform ensures a more organized, safer, and spiritually focused Hajj experience for all pilgrims, especially those from smaller, diverse communities globally, marking a profound development in the history of the Hajj pilgrimage. This focused approach on pilgrims from Muslim minority countries using a direct digital model streamlines access and underscores the universal nature of the sacred journey.

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