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Updated June 2023
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 you need to know about local hajj 2024 for both Saudi nationals and expatriate residents.
Table of Contents
Local Hajj 2024 announcements
Saudi Arabia will consider expanding an “economical package” for domestic pilgrims in next year’s Islamic Hajj pilgrimage. The package, starting from SAR 3,984 depending on services, aims at meeting the needs of pilgrims by providing choices suiting their financial capabilities. Furthermore, the package can be paid in full or over three installments.
Is the local Hajj 2024 registration open?
The registration of Hajj 2024 for Muslims living in Saudi Arabia has yet to open as per the latest announcement by the Ministry of Hajj.
However, when the time comes to register, it is advised that all applicants register directly through the ministry website and use different mobile numbers for different applications.
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
As per the regulation from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, both Saudi nationals and residents are required to take complete doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and one booster jab. The vaccines must be one of the approved vaccines by the ministry, including:
- Pfizer/BioNTech. 2 doses
- Oxford/AstraZeneca: 2 doses
- Janssen. 2 doses
- Moderna. 2 doses
- Sinopharm. 2 doses
- Sinovac. 2 doses
- Covaxin. 2 doses
- Sputnik V. 2 doses
- Nuvaxovid. 2 doses
- Covovax. 2 doses
Apart from the COVID-19 vaccines, pilgrims will also have to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza and meningitis. The last date for pilgrims to take the required vaccines is 10 days before Hajj season begins. This decision was made by the Saudi Arabian government as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims during the event.
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 will receive the printout of their Hajj permit starting from 15 Shawwal through the Absher platform. They will receive a text message containing the number of the issued permit before getting the printout.
Local Hajj cost and packages 2024
An announcement regarding the local hajj costs and packages for next year has not been made yet.
There are four categories of Hajj packages available for the locals and residents last year, with the cost ranging from SAR 3,984 to SAR 11,841. The payment can be made in full or in installments.
The Ministry of Hajj allows domestic pilgrims to pay Hajj costs in instalments last year. The 20% of the Hajj costs should be paid within 72 hours of making the registration as the first instalment. The second instalment of 40% of the Hajj costs is due 7 Rajab 1444 AH, whereas the last instalment is due 10 Shawwal 1444 AH.
An SMS will be sent to qualified pilgrims who have completed the necessary payment for their Hajj registration. Those who were not selected via the electronic lottery will have a chance in the next count when alternative or additional places become available.
Please note that domestic pilgrims who fail to pay their second instalment in time will have their Hajj reservation cancelled. However, they will still be able to make a new reservation through the ministry’s website or the Nusuk app until 7 Dhu al-Hijjah 1444 AH or until the number of domestic Hajj pilgrims has reached its maximum. The option to pay in instalments is also no longer available as it has been closed on 4 Rajab.
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.
