ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry on Sunday urged aspiring pilgrims to complete biometric verification in line with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj visa requirements, cautioning that the deadline for the process expires today.
The development takes place as preparations for the annual Islamic pilgrimage gather pace in Pakistan. The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) has said biometric verification is mandatory to obtain a Saudi Hajj visa.
“Today is the last day to complete Saudi visa biometrics,” MoRA said. “Hajj pilgrims can complete their biometrics from home through the Saudi Visa Bio app.”
The ministry said that for the pilgrims’ convenience, Saudi Tasheer Centers will also remain open today from 9 am to 5 pm.
The ministry urged aspiring pilgrims to keep a printed copy of the biometric confirmation email with them.
Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026, with the majority of seats reserved under the government scheme and the remainder allocated to private tour operators.
Regulations for private Hajj operators have been tightened and their quota reduced following widespread complaints last year, when tens of thousands of pilgrims were unable to travel under the private Hajj scheme.
