The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has started a new initiative keeping in mind the convenience of the pilgrims. Under this initiative, many special offers and discounts will be given to the pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah through Nusuk Card. Its purpose is to reduce their hassles during travel and make the experience more comfortable.

What is Nusuk Card and why is it important?
Nusuk Card is an official identity card, which is required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims as well as people working in the Hajj system. It is mandatory to carry it with you at all times from reaching Saudi Arabia till returning. This card facilitates entry into holy places and movement during travel.

Facilities will be available in many sectors
Under this new initiative, cardholders will get special discounts and offers in many areas like shopping, transport, catering, hotels, healthcare and entertainment. With this, passengers will be able to get better services at lower prices. Information about all these offers and services will be given on the Nusuk platform.

Efforts to improve passenger experience
The ministry says that the main objective of this scheme is to make services more accessible and to provide more comfort to the passengers during Hajj and Umrah. Through this, the quality of service will also be improved, so that every passenger can get a smooth and safe experience.

Private sector cooperation
Chamber of Commerce also plays an important role in this initiative, which is acting as a link between the Ministry and private companies. With their help, more and more businesses are joining this scheme, so that passengers can get more options and facilities.

Security along with discount
Nusuk Card is not limited to just giving discounts, but it is also an important document. Through this, the identity of the travelers is ensured and they get security while entering and traveling to the holy places.

One card, many benefits
This initiative is being considered a big change for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. By combining many things like identity, convenience and discounts in a single card, the Saudi Arabian government is trying to make the travel of travelers easier, safer and more convenient.

Mushfiqur Rahim: Due to the ongoing war between America-Israel versus Iran, tension is increasing in the Middle East. Amidst this war, Bangladesh’s legendary batsman Mushfiqur Rahim got stuck in Saudi Arabia, who was returning to his country after performing Haj. Mushfiqur shared the update through social media. Let us tell you that due to the worsening situation, many countries have closed their airspace, due to which many people around the world are stranded at airports.

Sharing a post on Facebook, Mushfiqur Rahim wrote, “I had come to Mecca for Haj and Umrah. After completing Haj, I was going back to Bangladesh via Dubai. We left from Jeddah for Dubai this morning by EK 0806 flight, but unfortunately due to the war between America, Israel and Iran, all the flights returned to Jeddah and now I am stranded at Jeddah airport along with thousands of passengers.”

No sign of reaching Bangladesh

Mushfiqur further wrote that only Allah knows when and how we will reach Dhaka along with the rest of the Bangladeshi people. Prayer request.

Mushfiqur Rahim’s international career

Talking about Mushfiqur Rahim’s international career, he has played 100 Tests, 274 ODIs and 102 T International matches. In 184 innings of Test, Mushfiqur scored 6510 runs at an average of 38.75 and strike rate of 48.52. During this period, 13 centuries and 28 half-centuries came from his bat. His high score is 219* runs.

Apart from this, he has scored 7795 runs in 256 innings of ODI at an average of 36.42. In ODIs, Mushfiqur has scored 9 centuries and 49 half-centuries, in which the high score was 144 runs. In 93 innings of T20 International, he scored 1500 runs at an average of 19.48 and strike rate of 115.03, which included 6 half-centuries. His high score is 72* runs.

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Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry has announced that the process of issuing visas for the 2026 Hajj season will start from February 8. This announcement has been made as part of the operational calendar of Haj related offices. This is part of the efforts of the Ministry of Haj and Umrah aimed at improving preparations before the arrival of Hajis.

Preparations for the 2026 session began on June 8, 2025, when the ministry issued preliminary planning documents to Hajj affairs offices around the world. At the beginning of the month of Safar, these offices were given information related to camps at holy sites through the digital Nusk Masar platform, so that additional time could be given for planning and review.

When will visas be issued?
According to the Gulf News report, contracts were signed in January 2026 for transportation and services at the holy sites in addition to accommodation in Mecca and Medina. The process of issuing visas will formally begin from February 8, after which visas will be finalized in March and data related to pre-arrival preparations of Hajis will be collected.

When will the first batch of Hajis reach Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry said that the first group of pilgrims is expected to reach Saudi Arabia from April 18, 2026. The Ministry has directed to strictly adhere to the announced timelines to ensure complete preparation of infrastructure and services before the arrival of the pilgrims.

The ministry said that contracts related to all services at the holy sites for pilgrims coming from abroad have been finalized, as well as accommodation agreements in Mecca through the Nusq platform. About 750,000 pilgrims have registered so far, of which 30,000 have booked packages directly from their countries.

About 485 camps have been allotted for international pilgrims at the holy sites, while 73 Hajj Affairs Offices have completed their basic requirements.

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Umrah is considered to be the most sacred and important religious pilgrimage center for Muslims around the world. Recently, the Haj Ministry of Saudi Arabia has introduced a new digital platform as a necessary step to make Umrah’s visit easier. Saudi Arabia’s move is considered a gift for those who use it.

This digital platform will facilitate people to easily book visa application as well as booking of other services. Its special thing is that this site will provide all the facilities in one place. Every Muslim wishes to perform Umrah once in his entire life. Umrah takes several days, Umrah can be completed from a few hours to a day.

Passengers going to Umrah apply

Saudi Arabia’s Haj and Umrah Ministry has started ‘Nusuk Umrah Seva’, with the help of which passengers going to Umrah can apply for Visa and will get all the facilities online. Anyone can apply from the official page by going to umrah.nusuk.sa.

According to the official website of Nusuk Umrah Seva, Nusuk Umrah offers a new digital option for Muslims planning a religious pilgrimage outside Saudi Arabia. This app is available on Google Play Store. This app provides e-visa, hotel booking, transport, cultural excursion and support services.

How to apply?

1. Create an account: Visit Nusuk Umrah Seva website or download the Nusuk app from Google Play Store. After this, enter your information and register.

2. Fill the personal details: Enter ID or passport number, mobile number, email, nationality and date of birth.

3. Verify: Verify the account by entering the security code sent on your phone or email.

4. Choose Umrah Seva: Select ‘Umrah Service’ from the menu and then choose the date and time of your choice.

5. Add people: If you are traveling with family or friends, then fill their details.

6. Review and confirm: Read all the instructions carefully. Agree with conditions and terms.

7. Pay online: Pay from safe options available on the platform. As soon as the payment is completed, your e-visa will be released in a few minutes.

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Saudi Arabia Arrest Illegal Residents: In Saudi Arabia, strict security arrangements have been made before Haj 2025. Action is being taken against the people living uninterrupted by running a comprehensive campaign across the country. According to the report of the Saudi press agency, 18,407 people have been arrested in just one week, who have violated the residency, labor or border security rules. This campaign is a strict step towards maintaining law and order in the country during Haj.

Among these arrests, the maximum number of migrants who violated Residency Law. Under this, a total of 12,995 people have been caught. After this, 3,512 people were caught illegally crossing the border and 1,900 people were caught on charges of violation of labor law.

Ethiopian and Yemen’s people the most
The special thing is that among those who were illegally trying to enter Saudi Arabia, 66 percent of Ethiopian, 28 percent of Yemen were from the country and the rest from other countries. Apart from this, 67 people were caught trying to escape from Saudi and 21 people were arrested for giving shelter or helping illegal migrants.

What is the punishment for illegal entry?
The Saudi Interior Ministry provides for those who helped in illegal entry, a fine of up to 15 years, a fine of up to 1 million (₹ 2.3 crore) and strict punishment for the seizure of the vehicle/property. The purpose of this strictness is to maintain the security and arrangements of the country during Haj. The ministry has also urged the citizens to report any suspicious activity in Mecca and Riyadh areas on 911 and in other parts of the country to 999 or 996.

Can people with visit visas do Haj?
The Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia has clarified that people on visit visas will not be allowed to do Haj 2025. This rule is applicable for the last few years but this time will be more strictly followed. If a person, whether he is a citizen, a resident or a tourist, enters the Grand Mosque or other holy sites like Meena, Arafat and Mujdalifa without Haj Permit, he will be fined SR 10,000 (₹ 2.3 lakh). If a person does this again and again, the fine can be doubled. This strictness is part of the strategy of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in which he has directed to implement strict visa rules to ensure safe and well -organized Haj.

Saudi government strategy during Hajj
Every year millions of people come to Saudi Arabia to participate in Haj, making it one of the largest religious events in the world. This increases the challenges of mob management, health services, and security. The Saudi government has started using technology, artificial intelligence and advanced supervision system to ensure that the activities of Haj pilgrims can be tracked. Any emergency can be dealt with immediately.

Big action to make security system agitated
Prior to Haj 2025, Saudi Arabia has taken major action to make the security system fit. This is an important step to protect the country’s borders, enforce visa rules and to maintain the dignity of religious places. Citizens and visitors should fully follow Saudi laws so that they can avoid any kind of legal action.