ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The second phase of Hajj 2026 training under the government scheme will start after Eid, and the first Hajj flight from Pakistan will start on April 19.
According to media reports, under a government scheme, Hajj pilgrims will be provided immigration facilities at Islamabad Airport under the Road to Mecca Project.
This year, more than 180,000 pilgrims will go to perform Hajj, while pilgrims who missed out on Hajj last year have also been included.
Hajj pilgrims, who missed out on Hajj last year, have been re-included, and private travel agents have demanded more money from some of these pilgrims.
Hajj 2026 Visa Issuance to Begin February 8: Saudi Ministry
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that the issuance of Hajj 2026 visas will begin on February 8.
The ministry said that 100 percent of the contracts for all services provided to pilgrims coming from abroad have been completed, while all contracts related to accommodation in Mecca have been concluded through the Nasik platform.
According to the ministry, this process of issuing visas has started earlier than usual to complete Hajj arrangements on time and provide better facilities to pilgrims.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, 750,000 pilgrims have been registered so far, while 30,000 pilgrims have booked Hajj packages directly from their respective countries.
The ministry says that the issuance of visas at this early stage reflects the planning for Hajj, which will help to further streamline the arrangements and improve the efficiency of services provided to millions of pilgrims coming from around the world.
Hajj 2026: Nusuk Masar platform
Earlier, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia introduced a new temporary licensing system for pilgrim accommodations in Makkah and Madinah during the Hajj 2026 season, aiming to ease housing shortages and improve service quality for millions of worshippers across the globe.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom has announced that the initiative will allow property owners to obtain seasonal licences for hosting pilgrims.
Developed in partnership with the ministries of tourism and municipalities, and housing, the plan has been designed to expand capacity during the pilgrimage without compromising safety or standards.
Under the new rules, applicants will have to register through the Nusuk Masar platform, with approvals processed via the Ministry of Tourism’s online portal.
The contracting period will close on 13 Sha’ban 1447 AH (February 1, 2026). Hotels that already hold year-round tourism licences will not be affected by the new rule.
According to the officials, linking licensed facilities to the Nusuk booking system will streamline reservations, prevent overcrowding, and create a safer, more organised experience for pilgrims.
