Govt Extends Hajj Visa Biometric Verification Deadline Till February 17
The government has extended the deadline for completing biometric verification required for Saudi Hajj visas until February 17, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced on Monday, providing additional time to intending pilgrims to fulfil the mandatory requirement. The extension comes as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate pilgrims ahead of this year’s Hajj under the Saudi government’s accelerated schedule.
According to a spokesperson for the ministry, pilgrims can now complete the Saudi visa biometric process conveniently from their homes through a dedicated mobile application. In addition, biometric verification facilities remain available at Saudi Tasheer Centres operating in six major cities across Pakistan. Pilgrims have been advised to retain the receipt or confirmation email issued by the Tasheer Centres, as it serves as proof of biometric completion.
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The ministry reiterated that biometric verification is compulsory for obtaining a Hajj visa and clarified that no visa will be issued without completing this process. The extension is intended to help pilgrims who were unable to meet the earlier deadline due to logistical or personal reasons.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that the Kingdom began issuing Hajj visas globally from February 8. According to the Saudi Gazette, the early launch is part of an accelerated timeline aimed at improving preparedness and ensuring pilgrim comfort nearly four months before the commencement of Hajj rituals, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.
The Saudi ministry reported that around 750,000 pilgrims have registered so far, with Hajj packages booked for approximately 30,000 pilgrims directly from their home countries. It further said that about 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, while 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contractual arrangements.
In Pakistan, Hajj registration has already been completed for 119,000 government scheme pilgrims and 60,000 private pilgrims, as confirmed last month by Sardar Muhammad Yousaf. He said that preparations are progressing according to the Saudi timeline, adding that arrangements related to food, transportation and other essential services have been finalised through a competitive process.
The minister also shared details from the previous Hajj, stating that during Hajj 2025, refunds worth Rs3.5 billion were returned to about 75 percent of Pakistani pilgrims, with individual refund amounts ranging between Rs12,000 and Rs110,000. He further noted that training sessions equipped with audio-visual facilities are being conducted at 147 locations across the country, and that well-trained Pakistani pilgrims demonstrated discipline and organisation during the last Hajj.
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