Hajj 2025: Saudi rolls out Nusuk cards, bolsters pilgrim safety

As the Hajj season approaches, Saudi Arabia is rolling out an array of initiatives to ensure a seamless, secure, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage for millions of Muslims.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has begun distributing Nusuk cards, a high-tech tool designed to streamline pilgrim management, while authorities crack down on fraudulent schemes and bolster services to enhance the experience at the holy sites, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued over 150,000 Nusuk cards, with a daily production capacity of 70,000. Printed domestically in state-of-the-art facilities under stringent security and quality standards, these cards feature anti-duplication measures to verify pilgrims’ identities and legal status. 

Each card contains vital information, including accommodation details in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, as well as service provider contacts.

The Nusuk card aims to simplify pilgrim guidance, reduce instances of lost individuals, and provide access to enrichment services. 

International pilgrims will receive their cards upon arrival through service companies, while domestic pilgrims can collect theirs from designated gathering points before the season. Printing will continue until all Hajj permits and visas are issued, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

The Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Public Security, has taken decisive action against fraudsters exploiting the Hajj season. Individuals posting fake ads on social media—offering bogus housing, transportation, sacrificial animal services, or Hajj bracelets—have been apprehended. 

Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the perpetrators referred to the Public Prosecution.

The ministry emphasized that domestic pilgrims must secure permits via the Nusuk platform, while international pilgrims must use authorized entities through the Tasreeh digital platform. 

For sacrificial animal services (hady, adahi, fidyah, sadaqah), the Saudi Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi (adahi.org) remains the sole authorized provider. The public is urged to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere.

Strict Regulations for a Safe Hajj

Starting April 29, the Ministry of Tourism has mandated that travel agencies, tourist facilities, and accommodation providers in Makkah refrain from booking or checking in visa holders without a valid Hajj visa or official work/residency permit. 

This aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s directive requiring all other visa holders to leave Makkah by that date to prioritize pilgrim safety. Non-compliance will trigger legal penalties, with the ministry urging full cooperation from hospitality providers and online platforms.

Saudi Arabia’s multifaceted preparations reflect its commitment to a safe, organized, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj.

From cutting-edge Nusuk cards to robust anti-fraud measures and enhanced pilgrim services, the Kingdom is leveraging technology and tradition to honor its role as custodian of Islam’s holiest sites.