Intending pilgrims in Pakistan have been urged to complete their Hajj biometric verification by Sunday, February 8. The Ministry of Religious Affairs said visas will not be issued without the required biometric process.
A ministry spokesperson said pilgrims can complete fingerprint verification from home. They can use the Saudi Visa Bio mobile application to finish the process. This step helps avoid crowds and saves time.
Pilgrims were also advised to keep the confirmation email safe after completing the biometric process. The email will be required for further Hajj travel procedures.
The spokesperson added that Tasheer centres will remain open to assist pilgrims. These centres will operate from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. The extended hours aim to help those who cannot use the mobile application.
Pilgrims aged over 80 years are exempt from biometric verification. The ministry said special arrangements are in place for elderly pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed it will begin issuing Hajj visas worldwide from February 8. The early start is part of a faster schedule to improve services. It also aims to ensure comfort for pilgrims months before the rituals.
Reports indicate that around 750,000 pilgrims have registered so far. Among them, about 30,000 have booked packages directly from their home countries. Authorities have also allocated nearly 485 camps at the holy sites for international pilgrims.
In addition, 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contracts. These steps are part of preparations under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan.
In Pakistan, registration has been completed for 119,000 government pilgrims and 60,000 private pilgrims. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said preparations are moving according to the Saudi timeline.
He added that arrangements for food, transport, and other services have been finalised through a competitive process. The ministry has also organised training sessions at 147 locations across the country.
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During Hajj 2025, refunds worth Rs3.5 billion were returned to 75 percent of Pakistani pilgrims. Individual refunds ranged from Rs12,000 to Rs110,000. Officials said the training helped pilgrims maintain discipline throughout the journey.
