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Reviewed February 2023
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah has confirmed that one million pilgrims will be allowed to perform the Hajj this year. The allocation of the Hajj slots is divided into two categories: international pilgrims and local pilgrims.
Last year, the bulk of the allocation went to international pilgrims with 850,000 slots, while those who are looking to perform the local Hajj are provided with 150,000 slots.
Here’s everything you need to know about local hajj 2023 for both Saudi nationals and expatriate residents.
Local Hajj 2023 announcements
Transport facilities
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.
We still need to wait for further updates regarding the transport facilities for this year’s season of Hajj.
GCC pilgrims
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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Hajj cost and packages
There are four categories of Hajj packages available for the locals and residents this year, with the cost ranging from SAR 3,984 to SAR 11,841. The payment can be made in full or in instalments.
The ministry of Hajj allows domestic pilgrims to pay Hajj costs in instalments this 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.
Hajj permit issuance
After completion of their payment, applicants can get a printout of their Hajj permits 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.
Is the local Hajj 2023 registration open?
The registration of Hajj 2023 for Muslims living in Saudi Arabia is now open as per the latest announcement by the Ministry of Hajj.
It is advised that all applicants register directly through the ministry website and use different mobile numbers for different applications.
What are the requirements for the local Hajj 2023?
Here are the requirements for Saudi citizens and residents who wish to perform Hajj this year:
- in possession of a national or resident ID (Iqama) valid until July 2023
- minimum age of 12 years old
- in possession of proof of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination
- in possession of a valid certificate for the ACYW quadruple meningitis vaccine at least 10 days prior to arriving at the holy sites
Those who have not performed Hajj will be prioritised (those who have will be given slots if there are still some available).
Please note that 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.
How do I register for the local Hajj 2023?
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.
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 2023?
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
This year, Hajj pilgrims will receive the printout of their Hajj permit starting from 15 Shawwal after receiving a text message containing the number of the issued permit.
