The Ministry of Religious Affairs Pakistan has directed private Hajj operators to complete visa processing for Hajj 2026 by March 15, ahead of the final deadline set by Saudi Arabia on March 20.
Pakistan Announces Eid ul Fitr Holidays for March 20 and 21
According to the ministry, the early deadline aims to prevent delays caused by the upcoming Eid ul Fitr holidays or other unforeseen circumstances. The instruction was issued in a letter dated March 9 to the Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan (HOAP) and private Hajj companies.
Officials said Saudi authorities have made it clear that the March 20 deadline for visa issuance is final and will not be extended under any circumstances. As a result, all private Hajj companies have been advised to complete visa processing for their pilgrims well in advance.
The ministry has also instructed HOAP to submit daily progress reports regarding the issuance of visas. However, some representatives of the association have requested relaxation, stating that the new directive effectively reduces their available processing time by five days.
An official from the ministry said that visa processing under the government Hajj scheme is progressing smoothly in accordance with Saudi regulations. He added that biometric verification of more than 119,000 intending pilgrims has already been completed.
This year, around 60,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj through the private scheme.
Separately, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, currently in Makkah to perform Umrah, held a meeting with senior Islamic scholar Saad Al-Shathri, an adviser to the royal court of King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
During the meeting, the minister conveyed the sentiments of the people and government of Pakistan regarding the ongoing situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the safety and stability of Saudi Arabia.
