The Ministry of Religious Affairs has asked private Hajj operators to finalise visa processing for Hajj 2026 by March 15, ahead of the final deadline March 20 decided by the Saudi authorities.
The move is to avoid delays which are anticipated due to the Eid holidays or any other unforeseen circumstances.
A March 9 correspondence issued to the Chairman of Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) and private Hajj companies had emphasised on the urgency: “To avoid any unforeseen eventuality due to the Eid holiday or any other reason, it is imperative that the process of visa issuance and travel be completed by March 15.”
Earlier on March 3rd, HOAP was told that the Saudi deadline is unextendable with no relaxation.
All companies and dependent Hajj operators have been directed to ensure that visa-processing for their pilgrims is done well in advance.
HOAP has also been ordered to submit reports to the ministry on a daily basis on visa issuance. “In view of a fresh letter from Ministry, we are short by five days and hope for a relaxation,” a HOAP representative noted.
Ministry officials confirmed the process of issuing visas is underway according to the government’s regular visa process and biometrics have been completed already for all 119,000 intending pilgrims.
Around 60,000 Pakistanis would perform Hajj this year under private schemes. Preparations for Hajj-2027 will begin soon after the end of the operations of Hajj-2026.
Separately Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, who is in Makkah Al-Mukarramah performing Umrah, led a delegation to meet with Saad Al-Shathri, who serves as Adviser to the Royal Court of King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
During the meeting, the minister made it known that Pakistan stands with Saudi Arabia and appreciates past help from the Kingdom. Saad Al-Shathri returned the feelings and prayed for the prosperity and stability of Pakistan.
Also read: Hajj flight plan under review amid Middle East tension
