Islamabad: Intending Hajj pilgrims have until Sunday, February 8, to complete biometric verification through the Saudi Visa Bio mobile application, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced, warning that Hajj visas will not be issued without completing the required process.
“Dukhtar-e-Kashmir” Captivates Audiences on Day 16 of Awami Theatre Festival in Karachi
A spokesperson for the ministry said pilgrims can conveniently complete fingerprint verification from their homes using the mobile app, helping them avoid crowds and unnecessary travel. Pilgrims have also been advised to keep the confirmation email secure after completing the biometric process.
To facilitate those unable to use the mobile application, Tasheer centres will remain open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. The spokesperson added that pilgrims above the age of 80 are exempt from biometric verification.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed on Thursday that the Kingdom will begin issuing Hajj visas globally from February 8. According to the Saudi Gazette, the early issuance is part of an accelerated timeline aimed at improving service preparedness and ensuring greater comfort for pilgrims nearly four months before the start of Hajj rituals, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
So far, around 750,000 pilgrims have registered worldwide, with Hajj packages booked for approximately 30,000 pilgrims directly from their home countries. The Saudi ministry further stated that nearly 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, while 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contractual arrangements.
In Pakistan, registration has been completed for 119,000 government-sponsored pilgrims and 60,000 private pilgrims, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf confirmed last month. He said Hajj preparations are progressing according to the Saudi schedule, with arrangements for food, transport, and other services finalised through a competitive process.
Reflecting on Hajj 2025, the minister noted that refunds amounting to Rs3.5 billion were returned to 75 per cent of Pakistani pilgrims, with individual refunds ranging between Rs12,000 and Rs110,000. He added that training sessions equipped with audio-visual facilities are being conducted at 147 locations across the country, contributing to better discipline and preparedness among pilgrims.
