NUSUK HAJJ CARD HELPS TO RESOLVE ISSUE OF 'MISSING' PILGRIMS, FACILITATES ACCESS TO MASYAIR

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia said the nusuk card innovation, launched during this year's Hajj season, has brought significant changes in their effort to accommodate pilgrims coming from all over the world, improving security and overcoming the issue of lost pilgrims.

In conjunction with the “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign, the ministry, through a multilingual video clip, uploaded to the X platform on Thursday, said the card also facilitates pilgrims' access to the Masyair (sacred area).

"Through the nusuk card,  there is no more fear of getting lost or not finding a tent or a place to stay. Just scan the QR code," the ministry said through the video clip.

The ministry said the card contains a unique security feature that stores pilgrims’ information and the Hajj completion certificate, which is the only official proof approved for regular pilgrims in the Masyair area.

It enables hajj authorities, workers and other enforcement agencies to identify pilgrims and prevent unauthorised individuals from entering holy areas.

The ministry reminded pilgrims who have lost their card to immediately request for a replacement to ensure they can complete their worship in peace and to benefit from the health services and logistics, as well as accommodation in Mecca.

Pilgrims who have lost their card only need to submit a digital copy of the card through the "Nusuk" application in addition to informing their group leader to get a replacement.

"The card should be kept throughout the hajj journey," the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian authorities have increased their preparedness and security in Mina to receive the flood of pilgrims arriving tomorrow (Friday) to spend Tarwiyah Day (8 Zulhijjah), before heading to Arafah on 9 Zulhijjah.

-- BERNAMA