Saudi Arabia lets Pakistani-origin POC holders join 2027 Hajj quota
Saudi Arabia has approved the inclusion of Pakistan Origin Card holders in Pakistan's 2027 Hajj quota for the first time, reserving 1,792 places for them.
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Last updated: 20 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia has approved the inclusion of Pakistan Origin Card holders in Pakistan's 2027 Hajj quota for the first time, reserving 1,792 places for them.
Saudi Arabia has welcomed more than 931,500 Umrah pilgrims so far in 2026, a 22.5 percent rise on the same period last year, led by visitors from Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq.
Saudi Public Security has announced fines of up to SR100,000 for Hajj and Umrah firms that fail to report pilgrims who remain in the Kingdom beyond their authorised stay.
The Nusuk platform has surpassed 51 million users worldwide and now uses AI to alert pilgrims when crowd density at the Grand Mosque and Rawdah is low.
Saudi Arabia is advancing major expansion works at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, raising capacity toward 1.85 million worshippers, alongside the vast new King Salman Gate project.
Saudi Arabia has begun early preparations for the 1448 AH Hajj, introducing integrated service packages, mandatory staff training and a restructured three-tier package system.
Businesses in Makkah, Madinah expecting 40% losses from Umrah pilgrimage ban Arab News