ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has fixed the minimum age for pilgrims performing Hajj this year at 15, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs announced on Saturday, citing directives from the Kingdom.
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According to the ministry, no flight departing for Saudi Arabia will be allowed to carry any pilgrim below the age of 15 as of May 27, 2026 (Zilhaj 9, 1447 AH). The restriction will come into effect from May 3.
The decision, issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has been communicated to Pakistani authorities through the Office of Pilgrim Affairs Pakistan. Officials confirmed that visas issued to underage pilgrims will be treated as cancelled under the new policy.
The Pakistan Airports Authority also reiterated that no pilgrim under 15 will be permitted to board Hajj flights, directing airlines and Hajj operators to strictly implement the rule.
Authorities said that pilgrims affected by the restriction may cancel their journey, adding that the Saudi government has assured a full refund of deposited amounts.
The annual pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, takes place in the holy city of Mecca and draws millions of Muslims from around the world each year.
Pakistan’s Hajj operations began earlier this month, with the first flight departing on April 19 under the expanded Route to Makkah initiative, now operational in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore, and expected to facilitate more than 95,000 pilgrims.
