...Many 2026 Pilgrims Roll Over Deposits
By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
Saudi Arabian authorities have officially commenced preparations for the 2027 Hajj exercise, unveiling a detailed timetable that requires participating countries and Hajj missions across the world to begin arrangements nearly a year in advance.
The schedule, released through the Kingdom's Nusuk Masar platform, outlines key deadlines covering pilgrim registration, accommodation, transportation, visa processing, financial commitments and service agreements, in a move aimed at ensuring a smoother and better-coordinated pilgrimage.
Under the timetable, Hajj affairs offices and licensed operators will begin selecting accommodation in Makkah and Madinah from June 30, 2026, while airline allocations and electronic fund transfers are scheduled to commence on July 15, 2026.
Participating countries are expected to announce registration for intending pilgrims and conclude major service arrangements by September 26, 2026, as Saudi authorities intensify efforts to strengthen planning and accountability in Hajj operations.
The Kingdom has also fixed January 28, 2027, as the deadline for uploading pilgrims' data and completing certification requirements for Hajj officials, while visa issuance will begin on the same date. The visa processing window is expected to close on March 9, 2027.
Pilgrims are scheduled to start arriving in Saudi Arabia from April 8, 2027, marking the beginning of the final phase of preparations for the annual pilgrimage.
Reacting to the development, the chairman of the Edo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh, said the board is already set to commence registration for the 2027 Hajj exercise in line with the Kingdom's early planning framework.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir also disclosed that most intending pilgrims from Edo State who were unable to participate in the 2026 Hajj did not request refunds of their deposits but instead chose to transfer their payments to the 2027 exercise.
According to him, the development reflects the determination of many intending pilgrims to perform the pilgrimage next year and has positioned the state to begin preparations early.
Saudi Arabia's decision to release the timetable months ahead of the pilgrimage is part of ongoing reforms designed to improve service delivery, reduce logistical challenges and enhance coordination among participating countries in the management of one of the world's largest religious gatherings.
With registration already underway in several states, including Edo, the countdown to the 2027 Hajj has effectively begun.
