Deadline Nears: Pakistani Pilgrims Urged to Finish Hajj Biometric Registration

BY Web Desk :

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that pilgrims intending to perform Hajj have until Sunday, February 8, to complete biometric verification via the Saudi Visa Bio app. Hajj visas will not be issued to anyone who has not completed this process.

A ministry spokesperson advised pilgrims to complete fingerprint verification from home using the mobile app to avoid crowds and unnecessary delays. Pilgrims are also advised to keep the confirmation email safe after completing the process.

For those who prefer in-person verification, Tasheer centres will remain open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday to assist pilgrims. The ministry added that individuals over 80 years of age are exempt from biometric verification.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed on Thursday that Saudi Arabia will begin issuing Hajj visas to pilgrims worldwide from February 8. According to reports, the early start is part of an accelerated timeline to enhance service efficiency and ensure a comfortable pilgrimage experience, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

So far, 750,000 pilgrims have registered for Hajj, with packages arranged for 30,000 pilgrims directly in their home countries. The ministry also reported that about 485 camps have been designated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, and 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their initial contractual arrangements.

In Pakistan, registration has been completed for 119,000 government pilgrims and 60,000 private pilgrims, according to Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf. He confirmed that preparations are proceeding in line with the Saudi timeline, including finalised arrangements for accommodation, food, transportation, and other essential services.

The minister highlighted that during Hajj 2025, 75% of Pakistani pilgrims received refunds totaling Rs3.5 billion, with individual amounts ranging from Rs12,000 to Rs110,000. He also noted that training sessions with audio-visual facilities were conducted at 147 locations nationwide, and well-prepared pilgrims displayed commendable discipline throughout the pilgrimage.