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Updated March 2024
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah has yet to confirm the number of pilgrims that will be allowed to perform the Hajj next year in 2024. The allocation of the Hajj slots is divided into two categories: international pilgrims and local pilgrims.
Here’s everything Wego gathered for you to know about local Hajj 2024 for both Saudi nationals and expatriate residents.
Table of Contents
Local Hajj 2024
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the commencement of registration for potential pilgrims in 2024 who are either Saudi citizens or residents in the Kingdom. Individuals interested in undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage from within the Kingdom can register through the ministry’s website, localhaj.haj.gov.sa, or via the Nusuk application on smartphones and tablets starting from 1 p.m. on Sunday, 11 February 2024.
Registrants will have the opportunity to explore various Hajj package options, with priority given to those who have not previously performed the Hajj. To facilitate the registration process, the ministry offers the flexibility to either pay the entire amount upfront or opt for partial payments in accordance with specified terms and conditions.
Registrants are advised to ensure the accuracy of their information and package selections, emphasizing the importance of using a unique mobile number for each application. The ministry has stated that cancelling the selected package is free of charge from the time of registration until the 14th of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic lunar calendar, which is expected to correspond to 23 April 2024. Pilgrims will receive a full refund in this case.
If a pilgrim’s application for a Hajj permit is rejected by the Interior Ministry, an amount of SR67.85 will be deducted for electronic service fees per pilgrim. However, if the cancellation occurs after the permit has been issued, from Shawwal 15 (24 April 2024) until the end of the following month of Dhul Qadah, which is expected to correspond to the seventh of June, 10 percent of the package contract value will be deducted.
For inquiries, individuals can contact the ministry via email at [email protected], call the Pilgrims Care Center at 1966 from within the Kingdom, or use the unified number, 920002814, from both within and outside the Kingdom. Alternatively, inquiries can be directed to the beneficiary care account on X: @MOHU_Care.
Is the local Hajj 2024 registration open?
The registration of Hajj 2024 for Muslims living in Saudi Arabia has opened as per the latest announcement by the Ministry of Hajj.
Please note that GCC pilgrims are not allowed to register for Hajj as part of domestic pilgrims. They will be required to register through the missions of their home countries.
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What are the requirements for the local Hajj 2024?
Required documents
Saudi citizens and residents who wish to perform Hajj this year must possess the following documents:
- a national or resident ID (Iqama)
- proof of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination
- a valid certificate for the ACYW quadruple meningitis vaccine
Age requirements and eligibility
The domestic Hajj pilgrimage is available for all people above the age of 12.
Please note that those who have not performed Hajj will be prioritized (those who have will be given slots if there are still some available).
Vaccine requirements
According to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health, Muslims planning to perform Hajj this year are not mandatorily required to have taken two COVID-19 vaccine shots and 1 booster jab. COVID-19 vaccine now comes under recommended category. According to the Ministry of Health’s document addressing the health requirements for the Hajj 2024 pilgrimage, the following vaccinations have been made mandatory.
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Poliomyelitis, for states reporting cases of WPV1 or cVDPV1
- Poliomyelitis, for states reporting cVDPV2-positive human samples
- Yellow Fever, for countries or areas at risk
Mahram requirements
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah has announced that starting this year, a female pilgrim does not have to be accompanied by a male guardian in this season of Hajj. She can be a part of a group of female pilgrims when performing the rituals.
Permit
In order to undertake the pilgrimage, it is essential for every pilgrim to possess a Hajj permit. The permit can be acquired via the Absher platform. Saudi Arabia has started issuing the permit for this Hajj season since 15 Shawwal, i.e., 5 May 2023.
How do I register for the local Hajj 2024?
The registration process will be similar to the previous years, and you will be able to register for the local Hajj online through: https://localhaj.haj.gov.sa/. You can also register through the Nusuk App (Android, iOS), available on all smartphones.
You can register yourself by following the procedure mentioned below:
- select ‘Register’
- provide your name, Iqama number, and date of birth
- confirm your city of residence
- provide your phone number and verify it
- complete your registration
You can add only 4 companions other than the dependents. The number of companions and dependents is indefinite. You will be allowed to modify the following aspects of your Hajj application on the Nusuk app within 9 days of registration:
- adding or removing companions
- adding or removing services (sacrifices)
- adding selected packages
Please note that successful registration does not guarantee a slot for the local Hajj. The decision of whether or not you qualify is solely under the discretion of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.
Hajj permit cancellation
If you wish to cancel your Hajj permit and reservation, you can do so via the online platform, the technical support number: 920026265 or even the Nusuk app. For this, you will need to submit a request for a refund, then select your bank and enter the IBAN. Once the request is reviewed, your refund will be processed within 7 working days.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel the Hajj permit without cancelling the reservation after successfully being nominated for Hajj and receiving a text message after completing the payment process. Any delay in cancelling the reservation after revoking the Hajj permit will have financial consequences.
Do I need a permit to perform the local Hajj 2024?
If your Hajj registration process is successful and the Saudi government has allowed you to participate in the local Hajj this year, you would then need to apply for a Hajj permit. To obtain one, please follow the steps below.
- go to the Absher portal
- log in to the service
- enter your civil registration number, date of birth, and select ‘Issuing Hajj Permits’
- if everything is in order, you will have the option of downloading and printing your Hajj permit
Last year, Hajj pilgrims received the printout of their Hajj permit starting from 15 Shawwal through the Absher platform. They received a text message containing the number of the issued permit before getting the printout.
Local Hajj cost and packages 2024
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced registration and fee details for four different packages catering to domestic pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj. These packages vary in price, ranging from SR4,099 to SR13,265. Each package offers distinct amenities and accommodations.
The first package, priced at SR10,366.10, provides luxurious camp accommodations designed to offer top-notch services and comfort for pilgrims. The second package, costing SR8,092.55, offers hospitality camps in Mina.
Pilgrims opting for the third package will pay the highest fare of SR13,265.25, securing accommodation in one of the six towers near the Jamarat Bridge in Mina. The fourth package, available at the lowest price of SR4,099.75, offers economic services.
All prices include value-added tax (VAT) but exclude transportation costs to and from Makkah by land or air. Transportation costs vary depending on the package selected. For the first and second packages, transportation to and from Makkah is included, while transportation within the Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah is provided via Mashair train or buses, depending on camp location.
The third package includes transportation solely via the Mashair train between Holy Sites. For the fourth package, transportation is arranged from pilgrims’ residences in Makkah to Mina for the stoning ritual at the Jamarat, utilizing buses and the Mashair train during the days of Tashreeq (Dhul Hijjah 11, 12, and 13).
Local Hajj transport facilities 2024
Prior to the last season of Hajj, the head of the Coordinating Council of Companies and Establishments for Domestic Pilgrims stated that domestic pilgrims would be provided with the facility to travel via Mashair Train between the Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah during the Hajj pilgrimage.
In addition, The transport authority for Makkah City and the Holy Sites announced the operation of six bus routes during last year’s Hajj season. These six routes (routes 12, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5) would continue to operate in the city and facilitate the transfer of pilgrims from outside Makkah, whose vehicles were not permitted to enter the holy sites.
Local Hajj meal times 2024
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued guidelines for domestic Hajj service providers, stressing the importance of sticking to scheduled meal times during the upcoming pilgrimage season. The ministry has detailed specific times for meal distribution at the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, ensuring pilgrims are compensated for any meal delays.
Breakfast on the day of Arafat will be served from dawn until 10 am, lunch from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, and dinner at Muzdalifah immediately after pilgrims’ arrival from Arafat. Additionally, meal times on the Day of Tarwiyah and the Days of Tashreeq will be from 5 am to 10 am for breakfast, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm for lunch, and 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm for dinner. Pilgrims will receive compensation for delays, with rates doubling if the delay exceeds a specified period.
Compensation includes 5% of the total package value for lunch delays on the day of Arafat and up to 3%, not exceeding SAR 100, for delays in other meals. In cases of meal service failure, compensation will be 5% of the total package value for significant delays, with specific amounts set for each meal based on severity and timing. Service providers must address meal provision issues within a two-hour window, with affected pilgrims receiving compensation ranging from 1% of the total package value, with different caps for various meals throughout the Hajj period.
