The Maldives has become the first country in the world to distribute the Nusuk Card to its pilgrims before their departure for the Hajj pilgrimage, according to Rawaf Mina, the official Saudi Company serving providing pilgrimage services.
The Hajj Corporation has begun handing out the cards to pilgrims after completing biometric registration for those scheduled to depart on the first flight. Officials say the early issuance marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to digitize and streamline the Hajj experience.
A Mandatory Document for All Pilgrims
The Nusuk Card, issued by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, is the most essential document a pilgrim must carry throughout the Hajj journey. Without it, no pilgrim is permitted to participate in any of the Hajj rituals or access designated sites.
Pilgrims are required to keep the card on their person at all times. Saudi authorities, including officials from the Ministry of Hajj and personnel stationed at vehicle checkpoints across the holy sites, will conduct routine inspections to verify that pilgrims hold valid authorization to move between locations.
What the Card Contains
The Nusuk Card serves as official confirmation that a pilgrim has obtained all the necessary permits to perform Hajj. It contains the pilgrim’s biometric data, full name, nationality, and visa details, along with information about the permits issued for the pilgrimage.
The card also includes details about the agent responsible for providing services to the pilgrim in Makkah, emergency contact numbers, transportation arrangements, and relevant medical information. This consolidated record is designed to assist authorities in responding quickly should a pilgrim require help.
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation of Hajj
The introduction of the Nusuk Card reflects a broader push by Saudi authorities to modernize the Hajj system through digital tools. Each new measure is intended to enhance the safety of pilgrims and ensure that every individual performing the pilgrimage receives services that meet the standards set by the Kingdom.
Officials say the digital framework allows for better coordination among service providers, transport operators, and regulatory bodies overseeing the millions of pilgrims who travel to Saudi Arabia each year.
Advice for Pilgrims
Authorities are advising pilgrims to log in and register on the Nusuk application using their personal phones before traveling. The app serves as a backup means of verifying identity and permit status in cases where the physical card is misplaced or unavailable.
In the event that a Nusuk Card is lost, pilgrims are urged to notify their assigned helper or agent as soon as possible to arrange a replacement and avoid disruption to their pilgrimage.
Safeguarding the Nusuk Card throughout the journey remains one of the most important responsibilities for every pilgrim performing Hajj this year.
