Kuwait introduces lottery system for 1447 AH Hajj registration through Sahel platform

Dubai: Kuwait’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs (MoIA) has announced new registration procedures for the 1447 AH Hajj season, introducing a lottery-based system designed to ensure transparency and equal opportunity for pilgrims.

The decision, outlined in an official circular issued last Wednesday, follows recommendations from the Supreme Hajj and Umrah Committee during its first meeting of the Islamic year.

The new system will be implemented through Kuwait’s unified e-government platform, Sahel, and will remain open across multiple phases until all applicants are processed. Registrants will retain their lottery ranking throughout the process until they are selected and confirm participation.

Under the revised framework, only Kuwaiti nationals who have not previously performed Hajj will be eligible to apply.

Each applicant may register in a group of up to five relatives, and women may include one mahram (male guardian) who has already completed Hajj. One resident relative may also be added to each group.

To initiate the application, registrants must pay a non-refundable fee of 10 Kuwaiti dinars. Successful applicants will then be required to pay 1,500 Kuwaiti dinars (around $4,900) to secure their spot. Failure to meet the payment deadline will result in automatic cancellation.

Pilgrims will be allowed a one-time campaign change prior to January 15, 2026, depending on availability. The replacement candidate, selected based on lottery rank, will have three days to complete payment. Cancellations made before January 18, 2026, will be eligible for a refund; cancellations beyond that date will forfeit the full amount.

The MoIA emphasised that notifications and application updates will be communicated exclusively via the Sahel platform. Additional circulars will be issued in the coming months, detailing payment procedures and firm registration deadlines.