Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the launch of the second phase of registration of Hajj for domestic pilgrims with the aim of providing an opportunity for those who had performed Hajj five or more years ago.

The Ministry urged those who fulfilled the terms and conditions to quickly apply, through the website of the ministry or the Nusuk application.

According to the Ministry, the opportunity is available to citizens and expatriates who previously performed Hajj five years ago and whose age is not less than 12 Hijri years.

The terms and conditions stipulate that the applicants must have an identity card or iqama that is valid at least until the end of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. The applicant shall have sound health free from acute chronic or infectious diseases.

The Ministry also mentioned the possibility of adding up to 13 companions in one booking; including the mahram (blood relative) with a condition that they all shall be in one package.

However, adding the accompanying persons and the mahram is an optional step. As far as the mahram is concerned, he will be exempted from the condition of performing Hajj five years ago.

In such a case, the mahram pilgrim shall also submit an exemption request along with the application.

Regarding Hajj packages, the Ministry stated that applicants are given a choice between four packages, and that seats will be available according to priority in registration.

A portion of these seats has already been reserved in the first stage of submission of application, and that is allocated to those who have never performed Hajj.

The Ministry stated that the issuance of Hajj permits will start on Shawwal 15, after ensuring that registrants have completed the necessary vaccinations against COVID-19, meningitis and the seasonal influenza.

The registration must be done directly by the applicant along with a mobile number that is not used in another reservation, the Ministry said while emphasizing that applications cannot be received through agents or intermediaries.

The Ministry also noted the ease in reservations, by making payment of the fee within 72 hours via the SADAD electronic system so as to avoid automatic cancellation.

In the event of a desire to cancel or not be able to perform the rituals, the Ministry announced the policy for refund that the applicant can look at among the terms and conditions released by the Ministry before calling for the submission of application or through the designated section on the user panel.