The Ministry of Religious Affairs has formally requested all intending Hajj pilgrims to complete their biometric registration for Hajj visa endorsement through the “Saudi Visa Bio” mobile application without delay.
In an official statement released on Friday a spokesperson of the ministry emphasised the importance of finalising such obligatory requirements in a timely manner to avoid disrupting the visa issuance process in any way.
The spokesperson went on to explain that in situations where successful registration using biometrics cannot be completed through the mobile application, pilgrims should go to their nearest Saudi Tasheer Centre, no later than February 8.
This step, the ministry stressed, is critical to ensure that visa processing is done smoothly and in a set timeframe. Detailed information regarding the location of Saudi Tasheer Centres has been made available over Pak Hajj Mobile App for the convenience of the applicants.
Earlier this week, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said preparations for Hajj 2026 were going on as per the schedule of Saudi authorities. According to numbers released by the minister about 119,000 government scheme pilgrims have been registered as well as 60,000 private scheme pilgrims.
He added that arrangements relating to food, transportation and other necessary services have been finalised through a competitive process.
Referring to Hajj 2025, the minister stated that refunds worth Rs3.5 billion were given back to 75 per cent of the Pakistani pilgrims with the amount of Rs12,000 to Rs110,000 per individual.
He further pointed out that training sessions equipped with audio-visual facilities were organised in 147 places in the country and there was discipline among pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.
The minister added that the project of the Road to Makah was extended to include the Karachi Airport besides the airports at Islamabad, while efforts are being made to include that at Lahore.
Under Hajj and Umrah Act, Umrah Rules 2025 have been drafted and sent to the cabinet committee for approval. Also the verified contracts of 245 Umrah companies are published on the ministry’s website.
Until the rules are approved, complaints related to the Umrah are being put forward to the provincial tourism departments.
Also read: How many pilgrims are ready to perform Hajj this year?
