27 August 2025
South African Muslims preparing for the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj in 2026 (1447 AH) face several changes, including new directives from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) in Saudi Arabia.
These updates have sparked debate and concern, with the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) facing scrutiny over its role and the potential impact on pilgrims and the Hajj travel industry.
What are the new Hajj rules?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a set of new rules for the upcoming Hajj season, which SAHUC, as the Hajj Affairs Office, is tasked with implementing. These directives include:
Hajj quota and announcement: SAHUC will announce Hajj details immediately after receiving the necessary document from MOHU. The country’s quota for 1447 AH (Hijri calendar) / 2026, which is 2,500 pilgrims, will be announced on 15 Muharram 1447 AH via the Nusuk Masar platform.
Mandatory payments via Nusuk Masar: All payments for service contracts, including down payments, reservation deposits, or partial payments, must be made exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform. Payments outside this platform are strictly forbidden. SAHUC is also required to transfer the bank guarantee and the full value of pilgrim service contracts directly to its designated wallet on the Nusuk Masar platform prior to the contracting phase.
Service provider limits: SAHUC is authorised to contract with a maximum of two service providers. The Saudi service provider company (previously known as the Muassasah) is the sole entity authorised to execute all contracts related to pilgrim accommodations and catering in Makkah and Madinah through the Nusuk Masar platform.
Camps and transportation: Countries may retain and use camps in the Holy Sites (Mina and Arafat) that were reserved, paid for, and used during the 1446 AH Hajj, provided that the purchase of basic service packages is completed by the deadline.
All contracts for pilgrim transportation must be executed through the Saudi service provider company, limited to bus transport companies accredited by the General Syndicate of Cars or the Saudi Arabia Railways Company (SAR). SAHUC staff are required to have contracts for camps, basic service packages, and transportation to ensure their presence with pilgrims in the holy sites.
Qurbani (Sacrificial animals): The purchase of Hady and sacrificial animals for all pilgrims must be done exclusively through the official “Adahi” Project, available via the Nusuk Masar platform. SAHUC confirmed that for 1446 AH, the Adahi price was 720 SAR (approximately R3,400), with 600 SAR (around R2,800) paid by pilgrims and 90 SAR (R420) covered by a commission discount or sponsor. SAHUC stated it did not sign an agreement or receive commissions from Adahi.
Flights and schedules: Contracts with air carriers are mandatory, with the pilgrim’s quota equally distributed between carriers of both countries. Flight schedules must be finalised prior to contracting accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.
Source:iol
