ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) has announced that it is extending the deadline for aspiring pilgrims under the government scheme to complete their mandatory biometrics for the Hajj visa to Feb. 17.
MoRA had warned pilgrims last week that the last date to complete their mandatory Hajj visa biometrics was Feb. 8. However, after the deadline expired on Sunday, the ministry announced via a notification that it had been extended to Feb. 17 for government scheme pilgrims.
“All those government scheme pilgrims who were unable to get their biometrics for the Saudi Hajj visa till the appointed date, they are being given the last opportunity to get their biometrics completed till Feb. 17,” MoRA announced on Monday.
It informed aspiring pilgrims that they can complete their biometrics at home using the ‘Saudi Visa Bio’ app or visit the nearest Saudi Tasheer Center with their passports to complete the process.
“Remember, this is the last chance,” MoRA warned. “If the biometrics is not completed, you will not be able to obtain your Hajj visa and it will not be possible to leave for Hajj.”
The development takes place as preparations for the annual Islamic pilgrimage gather pace in Pakistan. The South Asian country has been implementing digital and procedural requirements for pilgrims ahead of Hajj 2026, which include mandatory training sessions, biometric checks and greater use of mobile applications as part of efforts to reduce mismanagement.
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.
