Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has decided to do away with the Etamarna app and to extend all pilgrim-related services via Nusuk app.

The ministry said its decision to drop the Etamarna app came to facilitate registration procedures for the pilgrims.

Steps for registration via Nusuk app are: Log on to the Hajj ministry's website, choose Nusuk app, select reservation from Hajj services menu, and select "Create a new reservation".

Once the prospective pilgrims agree to the terms and conditions, they will be able to see the details of all Hajj packages and select an appropriate package.

Then they will also be able to add companions (cor residents) — or male guardians for women (mahram) such as husband, father, brother and son.

They will be asked to add their bank account, the mode of paying the fees and whether they wish to make full payment or pay in installments.

On completing the reservation, individuals will receive an SMS message on their registered phone number. The reservation details will appear on the user’s dashboard as well.

The ministry announced that Saudi Arabia will welcome pilgrims to perform Hajj this year in same numbers before the emergence of the Covid pandemic.

It has also announced that domestic pilgrims have the option of paying the Hajj package costs in three installments, instead of paying the full amount in one go as was the case during previous years.