Saudi Hajj Ministry Reaffirms February 8 Deadline for Pilgrims’ Data Submission
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reaffirmed February 8, 2026, as the deadline for pilgrims’ data submission.
Pilgrims’ information must be captured and grouped on the Nusuk Masar platform to qualify for Hajj visa issuance.
This was disclosed in an update issued by NAHCON’s Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara.
She stated that the Ministry confirmed March 20, 2026, as the final deadline for completing Hajj visa processing.
According to her, officials made this known during a virtual meeting with all Hajj-participating countries on February 4, 2026.
The meeting, tagged Official Schedule of Operations, focused on visa processing requirements and operational timelines.
Visa processing on Nusuk Masar officially begins on February 8, 2026.
Director of International Cooperation, Mr. Abdallah Awad Alshehri, anchored the meeting.
He outlined mandatory conditions for pilgrims’ grouping approval and Hajj visa processing.
Countries must pay a consolidated financial guarantee covering all registered pilgrims.
Pilgrims requiring Hadaya must be identified and payments processed on Nusuk Masar.
Pilgrims performing Tamattu’ and Qiran must complete sacrificial arrangements through the platform.
Those opting for fasting instead of sacrifice must be clearly indicated during registration.
Authorities must distinctly capture pilgrims under Ifrad, Tamattu’, and Qiran categories.
Medical service contracts with accredited Saudi-based providers are now mandatory for visa issuance.
Countries must conclude these medical contracts on Nusuk Masar before visas are approved.
Saudi authorities also introduced mandatory backup accommodation in Makkah.
The backup accommodation equals one percent of each country’s pilgrims’ quota.
For example, a 40,000 quota requires reserving accommodation for 400 additional pilgrims.
The accommodation serves as contingency and must be booked before visa issuance.
Pilgrims or officials not captured by February 8 risk missing the 2026 Hajj.
Separately, Saudi Arabia confirmed full BASA 50:50 passenger sharing enforcement from 2027.
For the 2026 Hajj, Saudi Arabia will retain the concessionary 40:60 sharing arrangement.
Discussions also addressed improving Umrah visa processes and curbing visa overstays.
NAHCON requested data on tour operators with histories of absconding pilgrims.
Tour operators were advised to ensure pilgrims comply strictly with visa validity periods.
