Saudi Arabia has withdrawn its earlier restriction barring pilgrims under the age of 15 from performing Hajj, restoring the previous policy that permits children aged 12 and above to undertake the pilgrimage, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
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The decision reverses a policy that was scheduled to take effect on May 3, 2026, under which airlines were instructed not to allow any pilgrim below 15 years of age to travel. Following the rollback, authorities confirmed that Hajj visas previously rejected under the restriction will now be reprocessed.
The reversal has also been verified by Pakistan’s Directorate General of Hajj, citing confirmation from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Earlier, the restriction had led to the cancellation of visas issued to under-15 pilgrims, with assurances from Saudi authorities that affected individuals would receive full refunds.
Hajj flight operations from Pakistan began on April 18, with the first group of pilgrims departing from Karachi. Under the official scheme, approximately 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Of these, over 67,000 male pilgrims and around 51,800 female pilgrims are scheduled to perform Hajj under the government programme, organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
The latest development is expected to bring relief to families planning to perform Hajj with younger members, ensuring broader participation in one of Islam’s most significant religious obligations.
