KSA Expats Blog
Practical Saudi guides, news updates and explainers for expats living and working in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia to Start Issuing 1448 AH Umrah Visas From May 31
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the upcoming key dates for the 1448 AH Umrah season. According to the ministry’s 1448 AH Umrah calendar, the issuance…
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Health Ministry Explains Hajj Vaccine Booking Process on Sehhaty Platform
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has explained how pilgrims can book Hajj vaccinations through “Sehhaty,” the government’s official digital health app, ahead of the 1447 AH Hajj season.…

SFDA Issues Medication Clearance Guidelines for Hajj Pilgrims
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has outlined the regulations and procedures for pilgrims who need to carry medications containing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances for personal…

Hajj Leave in Saudi Arabia: HRSD Clarifies Rules for Private Sector Employees
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has published guidelines detailing the conditions under which employees in the Kingdom are entitled to paid leave to…

Hajj 2026: Makkah Entry Permit Eligibility & Rules
If you’re an expat living in Saudi Arabia, this is one announcement you really cannot afford to ignore right now. Saudi Arabia has officially activated its Makkah entry…

Hajj 2026 Package Bookings Open for Domestic Pilgrims
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the launch of the booking phase for Hajj packages for those wishing to perform the pilgrimage from within Saudi Arabia, including…

Hajj 2026 Registration Open for Saudi Citizens & Residents
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially announced the opening of registration for Hajj 1447 AH (2026) for both Saudi citizens and expatriate residents living inside the Kingdom (domestic pilgrims). Registration is now…

How to Register for Hajj 2026 via Nusuk: A Step-by-Step Guide
Performing Hajj in 2026 (1447 AH) is easier than ever — thanks to Nusuk, the official platform of Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU), pilgrims from eligible countries…

How to Get the Digital Visitor ID Card for Umrah Visa Holders in Saudi Arabia
If you are visiting Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa, you no longer need to carry your passport everywhere. Instead, you can show a Digital Visitor ID for identity verification…

Saudi Arabia Launches New Digital Platform for Hajj Permits: Tasreeh
The Ministry of Interior, in partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), has launched a new digital platform called Tasreeh. This platform will make it easier…

Hajj 2025 Travel Restrictions for Expats in Saudi Arabia Explained
The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has announced important rules and procedures for the upcoming Hajj season 2025. These steps are taken to make sure everything runs…

Nusuk App Adds New Options for Praying at Rawdah Sharif
The Nusuk platform, operated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has introduced two new features to simplify the process for pilgrims to book and pray at Rawdah…

