The federal government has extended the deadline for completing biometric verification for Hajj visas to February 17, providing additional time to intending pilgrims to fulfil a mandatory requirement for travel to Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced the extension in an official statement, noting that biometric verification is essential for the issuance of Hajj visas and that no visa will be processed without completing this step. The move is aimed at facilitating pilgrims amid the ongoing application process and ensuring smoother coordination with Saudi authorities ahead of the annual pilgrimage.
According to a ministry spokesperson, pilgrims can complete the biometric process through a designated mobile application from their homes, offering added convenience and reducing the need for travel. In addition to the digital option, biometric verification facilities are also available at Saudi Tasheer Centres operating in six major cities across Pakistan. Pilgrims have been advised to retain the receipt or confirmation email issued by the Tasheer Centres as proof of completion. Officials reiterated that biometric verification remains a compulsory requirement under Saudi visa regulations, and applicants failing to meet the deadline may face delays or risk being unable to obtain a Hajj visa.
The extension comes as Saudi Arabia formally began issuing Hajj visas to pilgrims worldwide from February 8, according to confirmation from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The early issuance is part of an accelerated schedule designed to enhance preparedness and improve the overall experience for pilgrims well ahead of the rituals. Saudi authorities have stated that the initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which focuses on improving services, infrastructure, and crowd management for religious tourism. Reports indicate that around 750,000 pilgrims have registered so far, with Hajj packages booked for approximately 30,000 pilgrims directly from their home countries. Additionally, nearly 485 accommodation camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, while 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contractual arrangements to support the upcoming season.
In Pakistan, Hajj preparations are progressing in line with the Saudi timeline. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf confirmed last month that registration has been completed for 119,000 government scheme pilgrims and 60,000 private pilgrims. He stated that arrangements for food, transportation, and other essential services have been finalised through a competitive process to ensure quality and transparency. Reflecting on the previous year’s arrangements, the minister noted that during Hajj 2025, refunds amounting to Rs3.5 billion were returned to around 75 percent of Pakistani pilgrims, with individual refund amounts ranging from Rs12,000 to Rs110,000. He also highlighted that training sessions equipped with audio visual facilities are being conducted at 147 locations nationwide to prepare pilgrims, adding that disciplined conduct by Pakistani pilgrims in recent years has been widely appreciated.
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