The Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged all pilgrims to complete biometric verification before applying for their Saudi visas. The process is mandatory for visa approval.
Pilgrims are advised to first use the Saudi Visa Bio app, available on mobile app stores. The app allows users to register via email, scan their passport, take a selfie, and provide a thumb impression. After completing these steps, applicants receive a confirmation email, which must be saved for further procedures.
The Ministry clarified that visas cannot be issued without biometric verification. Pilgrims facing difficulties using the app can seek assistance from their respective banks.
For those unable to complete the registration at home, six Tashir centres have been established across Pakistan to facilitate the process. The centres are located in:
- Islamabad – Awami Trade Center, G-9, Third Floor
- Lahore – The Enterprise Building, Thokar Niyaz Baig, Multan Road
- Karachi – FTC Building, Shahra-e-Faisal, Block A, Ground Floor
- Peshawar – Al Haj Tower, Main University Road, Third Floor
- Multan – Crystal Mall, Bosin Road, Second Floor
- Quetta – Maymar Plaza, Khojak Road, Quetta Cantt
The Tashir centres operate from 1 PM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday. Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to visit these centres if they cannot complete the registration on the app.
The Ministry emphasized that all pilgrims must finalize biometric verification before the February 8 deadline to avoid delays or rejection of visa applications. Officials warned that incomplete verification could prevent pilgrims from traveling for Hajj or Umrah.
By providing multiple registration options through the app, banks, and Tashir centres, the Ministry aims to ensure a smooth and efficient process for all applicants.
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