Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 29 Jul 2026, 11:19 AM (Saudi time)
India has announced its Haj Policy 2027, adding an AI assistant for pilgrims, a tighter supervision ratio, two-step medical screening and revised eligibility rules. Applications opened on 22 June 2026.
As Hajj 1448 registration opens worldwide, pilgrims must plan for mandatory vaccinations. The meningococcal ACYW shot is required for all, with polio and yellow fever rules for certain countries.
Bangladesh's Ministry of Religious Affairs has released its Hajj 1448 roadmap, with registration running from 26 July to 26 September 2026 and Hajj expected on 15 May 2027.
The 1448 AH Umrah season has reopened after Hajj 2026, and the post-Hajj weeks offer some of the year's lowest crowds and cheapest hotel rates, though pilgrims must navigate the new 30-day visa and Nusuk booking rules.
Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs says more than 107,000 people registered for Hajj 2027 in the first five days of its sign-up drive, with the entire operation to run on a paperless digital system.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set firm 1448 AH season deadlines, with the last Umrah visas issued on 9 March 2027, while confirming that all visa types can now be used for Umrah.
Over 109 pilgrims circumvented medical screening in 2026 – NAHCON chairman The Sun Nigeria
Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims to use Umrah and Visit Guide The Malaysian Reserve
Umrah Pilgrims Could Face 50,000 Riyals Fine for Staying Beyond Visa Validity The Islamic Information
First group of 250 pilgrims from 16 countries performs Umrah under king’s guests program Arab News
The Ministry of Hajj Requests an Initial Budget of IDR 4 Trillion for 2027 Hajj Services Kompas.id
Saudi Ambassador Assures Country Safe for Hajj Pilgrims Amid US-Iran Tensions Tempo.co English