Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
Pakistan's Hajj 2027 registration has drawn a huge early response, passing 100,000 sign-ups in five days against a national quota of 179,210, managed through a new paperless digital system.
Several countries face late-September 2026 deadlines to register and submit pilgrim data for the 2027 Hajj, as Saudi Arabia pushes earlier digital processing through Nusuk and Nusuk-Masar.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, valid 365 days with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, to ease repeat pilgrimages.
Bangladesh has set 24 September 2026 as the final, non-extendable deadline for Hajj 2027 registration, with a national quota of 78,500 pilgrims allocated for the season.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a Nusuk Card discount program, giving pilgrims savings across retail, transport, food, hospitality and healthcare, applied instantly when the card is scanned at participating outlets.
Saudi Arabia now requires a medical fitness certificate, processed through Nusuk Masar, before issuing any Hajj 2027 visa. Clearance is assessed against a list of disqualifying conditions and is separate from vaccination rules.
Businesses in Makkah, Madinah expecting 40% losses from Umrah pilgrimage ban Arab News