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 said on Friday. Officials warned that authorities will not issue Hajj visas without successful biometric verification.
A ministry spokesperson explained that pilgrims can complete fingerprint verification from home using the application, helping them avoid unnecessary crowds and delays. He also urged applicants to securely save the confirmation email generated after completing the process, as it may be required later.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson said Tasheer centres across the country will remain operational from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday to facilitate those unable to use the mobile application. However, pilgrims aged over 80 years are exempt from biometric verification, he added.
Visa process and preparations progress
Earlier, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that Saudi Arabia will begin issuing Hajj visas worldwide from February 8. According to Saudi Gazette, the early launch follows an accelerated timeline aimed at improving service readiness and ensuring pilgrim comfort nearly four months before the rituals, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
So far, around 750,000 pilgrims have registered globally, with packages booked for nearly 30,000 pilgrims directly from their home countries. Additionally, authorities have allocated approximately 485 camps for international pilgrims at the holy sites, while 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contractual arrangements.
In Pakistan, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf previously confirmed that registration has been completed for 119,000 government pilgrims and 60,000 private pilgrims. He said preparations are progressing according to the Saudi schedule, with food, transport, and other services finalised through a competitive process.
Reflecting on last year, he noted that refunds worth Rs3.5 billion were returned to most Pakistani pilgrims, alongside nationwide training sessions.
