May 18, 2026, Jeddah - The first groups of pilgrims from Kazakhstan have arrived at the international airports of Jeddah and Medina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They were welcomed by the staff of the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Jeddah, headed by Consul General Ruslan Kospanov, as well as representatives of the Hajj Mission of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (SAMK).

In accordance with the quota allocated to Kazakhstan by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 2026, approximately 4,000 citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan are expected to perform the pilgrimage this year. The main Hajj rituals are scheduled to take place from May 24 to 29, 2026.

Transportation of Kazakhstani pilgrims during the current Hajj season is being carried out by the airlines Air Astana, SCAT, and FlyDeal (Saudi Arabia). Until May 21 inclusive, flights will transport Kazakh citizens from Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and Aktau to Jeddah and Medina. Return flights are scheduled for the period from May 31 to June 9, 2026.

During the pilgrimage period, the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Jeddah is operating under a special regime. The organization of the reception and departure of Kazakhstani pilgrims is being carried out in accordance with the approved duty schedule of diplomatic personnel with the participation of representatives of the Kazakh Hajj mission.

The responsibilities of the Kazakhstan diplomatic mission include coordination and cooperation with local authorities during the stay of Kazakhstani citizens in the Kingdom, as well as ensuring their safety and timely return home. To this end, contacts have been established with the Saudi governmental and aviation authorities responsible for the Hajj season, as well as with representatives of the Kazakhstani Hajj mission.

During meetings at the airport, diplomats of the Consulate General conduct awareness-raising activities among pilgrims regarding compliance with the laws of the host country, respect for local traditions and customs, and adherence to sanitary and hygiene standards in order to prevent various infectious diseases and other issues.

Permanent medical stations are operating in the central headquarters of the Kazakhstani Hajj mission in the cities of Mecca and Medina, where Kazakhstani doctors provide round-the-clock medical assistance to pilgrims when needed.

According to expectations, the total number of pilgrims performing Hajj this year may reach around 2 million people (according to data from the General Authority for Statistics of Saudi Arabia, the number of pilgrims in 2025 amounted to 1.673 million people).

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-jeddah/press/news/details/1222945?lang=kk