The procedure for applications and payment of Hajj 2027 expenses has been finalised, with the registration process under the government scheme set to begin in the third week of August.
Hajj expenses under the government scheme will be collected through digital payment methods, including OneLink, PSID, credit cards and online challans.
Overseas Pakistanis will also be able to submit their applications and pay their dues through the new digital system. Applications and payments will be processed through only one designated private bank.
Hajj expenses will be collected in two instalments, with half of the amount payable in the first instalment and the remaining half in the second. Only pilgrims who have already registered will be eligible to submit applications and pay their dues.
Pilgrims under the private Hajj scheme will also be able to pay their expenses through OneLink, PSID or credit cards.
According to sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the total Hajj quota for 2027 has been set at 179,210 pilgrims. Of this, 60 per cent, or 107,526 seats, have been allocated to the government Hajj scheme.
The remaining 40 per cent, or 71,684 seats, have been allocated to the private Hajj scheme.
The ministry said the digital payment system has been designed to make the payment of Hajj dues easier, faster and more secure.
In a separate development, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has adopted an important facilitation measure for intending pilgrims of Hajj 2027. The new measure will allow passports to be renewed ahead of time for a hassle-free application process.
In response to the request from the ministry, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports have issued formal instructions to the Ministry’s passport offices to accept and expedite early renewal applications from those who are intending to go for Hajj.
A spokesperson of the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that the validity of all Pakistani passports submitted for Hajj 2027 must remain valid till November 16 2027.
The passport offices have been allowed to accept passport renewals before the usual period, as per Passport Rules 3(c), in order to help prospective pilgrims fulfil this requirement.
Read more: Hajj 2027 registrations reach record 340,000
The ministry has directed the passport offices across the country and Pakistani missions overseas running passport offices to expedite the renewal.
The action will help to minimise delays and complications for applicants in the registration for Hajj 2027.
The ministry has urged all intending pilgrims to ensure that they have a passport which is valid till at least November 16 2027, months in advance, otherwise no application would be accepted for Hajj 2027 without valid Pakistani passport.
The preparations for Hajj 2027 are already underway after completing the Hajj 2026 in which approximately 179,000 Pakistani pilgrims completed the pilgrimage.
For Hajj 2027, on-line registration has had a record turnout, with over 300,000 having registered so far.
The applicants have been asked to register on the online platform of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, www.hajj.mora.gov.pk, with their personal & group information in order to complete registration.