RIYADH (Kashmir English): Saudi Arabia has lifted the ban on Hajj 2026 for those under 15 years of age, according to foreign media reports.
Confirming the decision, the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) said that the Saudi government has withdrawn the 15-year age requirement for Hajj.
According to the details, now children aged 12 and above have been allowed to perform Hajj again, while the ban on pilgrims under 15 years of age has also been lifted.
According to the PAA, the previous policy has been restored under which people aged 12 and above will be considered eligible for Hajj, while visas that were rejected due to age restrictions will be re-processed.
It should be noted that earlier it was reported that Saudi Arabia, in a major change in the Hajj policy, has banned children under 15 years of age from performing Hajj, which is being implemented immediately.
Saudi govt makes Nusuk card mandatory for Hajj 2026
Saudi Arabia has made the Nusuk card a key requirement for Hajj 2026, calling it essential for smooth entry, movement, and access to services for pilgrims.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah described the card as a central part of an integrated system designed to improve service efficiency and maintain high standards of organization and safety across the holy sites.
The ministry uses the Nusuk card to control pilgrims who want to enter Makkah and the Grand Mosque while also using it to manage their movement between sacred sites.
The system will help control Hajj 2026 crowds because it decreases the flow during the event. Saudi authorities have developed an electronic Nusuk card system as part of their digital transformation initiatives.
The system enables pilgrims to quickly retrieve their details while streamlining both identity verification and service delivery processes. The ministry announced through its official X account, which used to be Twitter, that approved service providers will handle distribution tasks for the card that each pilgrim will receive.
Pilgrims who do not receive their Nusuk card have been advised to immediately contact their respective service company to avoid any delays before starting Hajj rituals.
The ministry established a unified contact center with official digital platforms to assist pilgrims by handling their inquiries and feedback, which will create a smooth and organized experience.
Authorities have made it clear that pilgrims must carry the Nusuk card at all times during Hajj because it will be the primary document required for accessing services and moving between locations.
The ministry added that following these guidelines will help ensure better organization and provide a safe, hassle-free way to conduct events. The ministry added that following these guidelines will help ensure better organization and provide a safe, hassle-free way to conduct events.
The ministry added that following these guidelines will help ensure better organization and provide a safe, hassle-free way to conduct events.
