The Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged intending Hajj pilgrims to complete their biometric registration for Hajj visa endorsement without delay to ensure smooth and timely processing ahead of Hajj 2026.
In an official statement issued on Friday, the ministry advised pilgrims to use the “Saudi Visa Bio” mobile application to complete their biometric registration. The spokesperson emphasized that timely completion of the process is essential to avoid delays in visa endorsement and travel arrangements.
For pilgrims who are unable to complete biometric registration through the mobile application, the ministry has directed them to visit the nearest Saudi Tasheer Centre by February 8. The spokesperson added that details of Tasheer Centres across Pakistan are available on the Pak Hajj Mobile App to facilitate pilgrims.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf stated that preparations for Hajj 2026 are progressing according to the Saudi authorities’ timeline. He confirmed that registration has been completed for approximately 119,000 government-sponsored pilgrims and 60,000 private pilgrims.
The minister said arrangements for accommodation, food, transportation, and other essential services have been finalized through a transparent and competitive process to ensure quality services for Pakistani pilgrims.
Highlighting improvements from previous years, he noted that during Hajj 2025, refunds amounting to Rs3.5 billion were returned to around 75 percent of Pakistani pilgrims, with individual refunds ranging from Rs12,000 to Rs110,000. He also pointed out that training sessions equipped with audio-visual facilities were conducted at 147 locations nationwide, contributing to better discipline and organization among pilgrims.
The minister further said that the Road to Makkah project has been expanded with the inclusion of Karachi Airport following Islamabad, while efforts are underway to include Lahore Airport as well.
Regarding Umrah arrangements, he informed that Umrah Rules 2025 have been drafted under the Hajj and Umrah Act and forwarded to the cabinet committee for approval. Verified contracts of 245 Umrah companies have also been published on the ministry’s website.
Until formal approval of the rules, Umrah-related complaints will continue to be addressed by provincial tourism departments.
