Saudi Ministry expands Hajj service companies and adds 75 new countries for direct Hajj
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj announced an expansion to 34 licensed service companies, direct contracts with agencies in 58 countries and the inclusion of pilgrims from 75 additional countries for direct Hajj, effective for the upcoming 1448 AH season.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- 34 service companies, 58 direct contracts, 75 new eligible countries
- Timing
- Effective for the 1448 AH Hajj season
- Who is affected
- Pilgrims from the 75 new countries and Hajj service providers
The details
- Announced by
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- Previous rule
- Previously 30 service companies were licensed, direct contracts existed with fewer than 58 countries, and pilgrims from fewer than 75 additional countries could apply for direct Hajj.
- New rule
- The ministry now licenses 34 service companies, signs direct contracts with agencies in 58 countries and opens direct Hajj to pilgrims from 75 more countries.
Increase in Licensed Service Companies
During the sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, the Minister of Hajj announced that the number of companies authorized to provide services to overseas pilgrims has risen to 34. This expansion aims to boost competition and improve service quality for pilgrims worldwide.
- The increase from 30 to 34 companies was highlighted as a key transformation in the Hajj ecosystem.
Direct Contracts with More Countries
The ministry signed direct agreements with agencies in 58 countries, up from the previous count. These contracts allow agencies to handle pilgrim registrations and logistics directly with Saudi authorities, reducing intermediaries and streamlining the process.
- Direct contracts cover 58 nations, facilitating faster visa issuance and coordinated travel arrangements.
Addition of 75 New Countries for Direct Hajj
A major part of the announcement was the opening of direct Hajj eligibility to pilgrims from 75 additional countries. This move expands the pool of eligible pilgrims and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals of increasing international participation.
The expansion will be operational for the Hajj season of 1448 AH, with preparatory work already underway through the conference’s partnership platform.
- The 75 new countries join the existing list, bringing the total number of nations eligible for direct Hajj to over 150.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Pilgrims from the newly added 75 countries can now apply directly for Hajj without a local sponsor.
- Travel agencies in the 58 countries with direct contracts will receive faster processing times for client applications.
Cost and documents
- No new fees were announced; existing service fees remain unchanged.
- Applicants must still provide standard passport, vaccination and financial proof as required by the Ministry.
What you need to do
- Pilgrims from the 75 new countries should register through the official Nusk platform before the 1448 AH season.
- Travel agencies in the 58 direct‑contract countries must update their systems to reflect the new direct‑contract procedures.
Who this affects
-
Pilgrims from the 75 newly added countries
They are now eligible for direct Hajj applications under the expanded programme.
What to do Apply directly through the Ministry’s online portal for the 1448 AH season.
-
Licensed Hajj service companies
The number of authorized providers increased to 34, affecting market competition.
What to do Comply with updated licensing requirements and service standards.
-
Travel agencies in the 58 countries with direct contracts
They now have direct contractual links with the Saudi Ministry for pilgrim processing.
What to do Integrate the new direct‑contract workflow into their booking systems.
-
Pilgrims using the Nusk platform
The platform’s user base grew to over 70 million, supporting the expanded programme.
What to do Ensure their Nusk app is updated to the latest version for seamless registration.
-
Infrastructure partners in Saudi Arabia
New agreements, such as the 5.6 billion‑riyal transport project, support increased pilgrim numbers.
What to do Coordinate with the Ministry to align transport services with the larger pilgrim flow.
Frequently asked questions
Which new countries can now apply for direct Hajj?
The Ministry announced that pilgrims from 75 additional countries are now eligible for direct Hajj, joining the existing list of participating nations.
How many service companies are now licensed for Hajj?
The number of licensed Hajj service companies has been increased to 34, up from the previous 30.
What does a direct contract with a country mean for pilgrims?
A direct contract allows agencies in that country to handle registrations and logistics directly with Saudi authorities, speeding up visa processing and reducing intermediaries.
When will the new arrangements take effect?
The expanded service company list, direct contracts and new country eligibility are effective for the Hajj season of 1448 AH.
Do I need to pay extra fees for the new Hajj arrangements?
No additional fees were announced; pilgrims must continue to meet the standard cost and documentation requirements set by the Ministry.
