For South African Muslims planning to embark on the sacred journey of Hajj in 2026, the landscape of Hajj operations is shifting under fresh directives from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU). The evolving role of the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) has sparked both concern and debate within the community.
New rules pilgrims need to know:
According to reports by IOL, the MOHU has issued a new set of rules for the upcoming Hajj season. These rules include:
- Hajj Quota: SAHUC is set to announce this year’s quota (2500 pilgrims for 2026) on 15 Muharram 1447 AH via the Nusuk Masar platform.
- Mandatory Use of Nusuk Masar: All payments, whether they be contractual, deposit or advance, must go exclusively through Nusuk Masar. SAHUC must also transfer the required bank guarantee and full contract value into their designated Nusuk Masar wallet before contracts are finalised.
- Limited Service Providers: Only two service providers may be contracted and only the Saudi-based service provider, previously known as the Muassasah, is authorised to handle accommodations and catering via Nusuk Masar.
- Flights and schedules: All pilgrims must travel with approved air carriers and the quota is to be shared equally between South African and Saudi airlines. Flight schedules need to be confirmed before accommodation in Makkah and Madinah can be secured.
Industry Concerns: Monopoly or miscommunication?
The Sunni Jamiatul Ulama (SJU), an original SAHUC co-founder, has protested that SAHUC is positioning itself as the “sole and exclusive Hajj operator,” effectively squeezing out other operators and consolidating control over both regulatory and operational functions.
SAHUC, however, maintains it is merely enforcing MOHU’s new guidelines and does not seek to profit or inflate Hajj pricing.
What’s ahead for Hajj travel operators in South Africa?
- Industry voices like the Democratic Alliance (DA) and SJU have warned that SAHUC’s centralisation may jeopardise the livelihoods of hundereds of operators and threaten business continuity.
- SAHUC insists it’s not excluding operators. Instead, they view their role as facilitating data registration, payments via the digital platform and offering orientation services. Proposals for Hajj 2026 have been invited and three established operators have responded. These are currently under review, with SAHUC emphasising that it has not denied anyone the chance to submit.
- If no agreements are reached, SAHUC has indicated it will step in to facilitate the pilgimage directly.
For now, South African pilgrims are advised to keep an eye on SAHUC’s official announcements and platforms for the latest updates on quotas, operators, and travel requirements.
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